A beloved husband, devoted father, adoring grandfather, and faithful friend, Joseph Robert Bergan, Jr., 80, of Branchburg, NJ, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at Morristown Memorial Hospital after a brave battle with cancer.

Born in Philadelphia, PA, he met the love of his life, Janet, in 1964. They married in 1969 and built a life full of love, partnership, and purpose—a bond that only grew stronger with time.

Together, Joe and Janet raised four children—JR, Robert, Michael, and Traci—and in 1978, they put down roots in the peaceful countryside of Branchburg, NJ. Their home became a haven of warmth, family traditions, and the kind of love that anchors generations.

Joe earned his bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from Villanova University and went on to receive an MBA from Fairleigh Dickinson University. His career began at Westinghouse and flourished at First Energy, where he spent most of his professional life until retiring in 2015. He co-founded the Uwchlan Ambulance Squad in Pennsylvania and the Branchburg Recreational Soccer program in New Jersey. He took pride in being a coach—not just on the field, but in life—teaching those around him to shake off the small stuff and always find the humor in every situation.

A man of deep faith, Joe was a devoted member of Holy Trinity Church, where he served as a Eucharistic Minister—an honor he held with reverence, sharing the Body of Christ with others.

Joe shared a deep and enduring love with his wife, Janet - devoted partners in every sense of the word. Whether cruising across the seas, lounging on a scenic train ride, or relaxing on the beaches of Ocean City, their adventures were always side by side. Joe's life centered around his children always finding the time to support them in their quest for success. Yet, nothing lit up Joe's heart more than being "Pops" to his beloved grandchildren. To them, he was more than a grandfather — he was a kid at heart, a playful spirit, and an irreplaceable presence in their lives. He offered ears that always listened, arms that always held, and love that was never-ending.

Everyone lucky enough to know Joe would say "the man made you laugh." You couldn't spend time with him without a smile. He shared this joy of laughter with those he met - finding a way into everyone's heart and his legacy is permanently stitched into all of us.

He is preceded in death by his beloved parents, Joseph and Catherine Bergan; his brother Bob and sister-in-law, Joanne Bergan; and his sister Doris and brother-in-law, Tom Fannon.

He is survived by the love of his life, Janet; his devoted children and their spouses: JR and Julie Bergan, Robert and Tomoko Bergan, Michael and Flavia Bergan, and Traci and Colin deBakker; and his seven cherished grandchildren: Ayumi, Taro, Zoe, Tatum, Theo, Calvin, and Mirela—each one a shining light in his life.

A visitation memorial service will be held on June 18, 2025 at Mary Mother of God Church in Hillsborough, NJ, from 9:30 am to 10:45 am, followed by a mass at 11:00 am.

Please join the family afterward for a reception at Harvest Moon Inn, 1039 Old York Road, Ringoes, NJ, at 1:00 pm to share memories and celebrate Joe's remarkable life.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Joe's name to Unbound, a non-profit Catholic organization supporting the marginalized and vulnerable. Joe proudly sponsored a child through Unbound and believed deeply in its mission to uplift those in need. For more information, please visit https://www.unbound.org.