Colonel Francis “Frank” Thomas Bergan, USAF (ret.), loving husband, father and grandfather, passed away on Wednesday, October 8, 2025 in Mobile, AL. Frank was born on March 7, 1949 in New York City (Brooklyn) to Dr. Francis T. Bergan and Martha Bergan and grew up on Long Island, NY alongside his sister, Marianne Bergan Cordier, all of whom preceded him in death.
Frank earned his undergraduate degree in 1971 at The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina, where, as a member of Band Company, he played the bagpipes. He happily reconnected with friends from Band Company in recent years, who describe him as “a fine and accomplished man, officer and classmate.” Following his commissioning as a United States Air Force officer, Frank attended Emory University School of Law, earning a Juris Doctor degree prior to embarking on his military career.
On June 7, 1975 Frank married his beloved wife, Maureen Cronin Bergan and together they started his active duty service on July 1, 1975 at Wurtsmith AFB, MI. Frank retired as the Second Air Force Staff Judge Advocate at Keesler AFB in Biloxi, MS in November 1998. Through eight military moves and one post-retirement move following Hurricane Katrina to Mobile, AL, they made a welcoming home wherever they were and shared 50 wonderful years of marriage together.
As a professional, Frank was committed and dedicated to his country and the people he served with, but nothing was more fulfilling and important to Frank’s identity than being a dad and grandfather. Frank’s children and grandchildren were his heart and soul and his pride and joy. He made sure they knew that he was their greatest cheerleader. He is survived by his children and their loving spouses: Kerrie Anne Newbrough (Patrick, CAPT, USNR), Dr. Timothy John Bergan (Ashley Shoquist) and Commander Bradley Patrick Bergan, USCG (Sara). He is also survived by and will be remembered as a loving and caring “Gramps” by Caitlin and Jack Newbrough and Caroline, Rosalie, Bradley, Jr., Brendan (+2022) and Annabel Bergan.
Frank felt great affection for and is survived by two sisters-in-law, two brothers-in-law and multiple nieces and nephews. He will also be remembered by countless friends and neighbors, near and far, who truly became like family to Frank.
Anointed by a priest friend of the family four days before he died, Frank’s commitment to his Catholic faith was strong. He had a lifelong devotion to St. Jude. Frank touched many lives with his generosity and kindness in big ways and small, quietly donating to charities and individuals and willing to help anyone in need.
Those who knew him best knew Frank was often the quiet one in the room until you began a conversation. Then, you would hear about his favorite things: his kids and grandkids, local and national politics, his yard and pool, and, most especially, weather and airplanes. Quite a few people depended on his accurate and up-to-date weather reports, gathered from his Weather Nation app and sent via text. If you were taking a trip and Frank knew of it, he followed your flight from take-off to landing; but, not before researching the model and age of the aircraft. You were guaranteed to know, via text, that you had landed, even before the pilot ever reached the end of the runway. Frank obtained his own private pilot’s license when he was sixteen years old, and he never lost the love of flying.
Frank was proud of and never forgot his deep New York roots. He had a great affection for Frank Sinatra’s New York, New York and I Did It My Way. No question about it, Frank did it his way, and he did it well, and all who knew and loved him were blessed that he did. In his last hours, he was surrounded by his wife and children, who will hold him in their hearts forever.
A Mass of Resurrection will take place 12:30pm Friday, November 7, 2025 at Our Lady of Loretto Chapel on Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola followed by interment at Barrancas National Cemetery with full military honors at 1:30pm. Due to security restrictions at NAS Pensacola, those desiring to attend the services are asked to gather at Harper-Morris Memorial Chapel, 2276 Airport Blvd., Pensacola, FL 32504 to join a police escorted funeral procession that will depart Harper-Morris at 12:00noon sharp.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep (https://www.nowilaymedowntosleep.org/donate/) in memory of Frank’s grandson, Brendan Zachary Bergan Or to the Mitchell Cancer Institute (https://www.givecampus.com/campaigns/32044/donations/new?designation=mitchellcancerinstitute)
May Frank’s soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.