Joseph (Jay) William Bergeron left our world peacefully holding the hand of his loving wife on Tuesday, February 17, 2026. Born in Scranton, PA, he was the only child of Joseph “Bill” William Bergeron and Laura Vallaincourt Bergeron of Tarrytown, NY. He was an accomplished accordionist, enjoyed baseball and had a deep affinity for the water. He graduated from Sleepy Hollow High School and enlisted in the Navy 1963-1967. He was an AQB3 (Aviation Fire Control Technician) stationed at NAS Oceana Virginia Beach, VA with the historic VA-75 ‘Sunday Punchers’. His service included a combat deployment to Vietnam followed by a Mediterranean cruise aboard the USS Independence. He received the National Defense Service Medal and the Vietnam Service Medal.

While stationed in Virginia Beach, he married his first wife and lifelong friend, Mary Ann Price Bergeron who predeceased him. They raised two children: Nicole Bergeron Mumford and Christopher Bergeron in the Richmond area.

Upon his honorable discharge from the Navy, he began his career in Richmond, VA as an insurance arbitrator, claims mediator, and financial consultant. He was a founding member of the Chesterfield Adult Soccer Association (CASA) started in 1981. On any given weekend, he could be found on Saturdays with a whistle around his neck coaching his youth soccer team and then, on Sunday, on the pitch in his goal tending kit. His passion for the sport was unrelenting, and he continued playing until age 50.

In 1992 Jay met and built a beautiful life with Jane Bricker Gaynor Bergeron of Shenandoah, VA. They enjoyed 34 years of love, laughter, and friendship splitting their time between homes in Richmond and Colonial Beach, VA. Jay served as President of The Monroe Landing Townhouse Association, former member of the Colonial Beach Community Foundation and Patron of the Colonial Beach Playhouse in addition to volunteering at local events.

Jay is survived by his wife, Jane Gaynor Bergeron; his daughter Nicole Bergeron Mumford (Chris), and grandchildren: Lila, Beck and Max; his son Christopher Bergeron (Joanna), and grandsons: JAC, Luke, and Price, all of Richmond VA; stepson Jim Gaynor (Laurie) and their children Megan and Brent, all of Winchester VA.

Jay will be remembered for his sharp wit, mischievous twinkly eyes, and warm heart. His family will celebrate the gift of him and his life on what would have been his 83rd birthday, Saturday, April 18th 12 p.m. at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Colonial Beach, VA. The family requests in lieu of flowers, consider contributions to: Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research; VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center; St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, Colonial Beach, VA