1950-2026
Thomas Dennis Bergen-The Man, The Myth, The Legend-
A life so big that these few paragraphs cannot possibly do it justice!
Thomas Dennis Bergen, age 76 of DuBois, PA, died Saturday, June 20, 2026 at DuBois Continuum of Care Community Nursing Home in DuBois, PA. Born February 24, 1950 in Somerville, New Jersey, he was the son of the late Herbert and Winnie (Taylor) Bergen. He is also preceded in death by his beloved sister Arlene Tripp and his brother Herbert Bergen, Jr.
Thomas was a 1968 graduate of Hunterdon Central High School in Flemington, New Jersey. He graduated by the skin of his teeth at the bottom of his class with the help of a few sympathetic, angelic teachers who retired early after having him. After working many jobs from the age of 12, he enlisted in the Air Force. He was a proud Vietnam Veteran and served in three branches of the military, including the Air Force, Army, and Navy for over 13 years.
Thomas lived his life to the fullest and enjoyed being the center of attention, which he often was due to his positive attitude and zest for life. He loved many things, including playing Santa for children over many years, channeling his inner Tony Robbins and sending inspiring messages and pictures of flowers to his many followers on Facebook (mainly women), promoting sports card shows throughout the East Coast, “collecting” phone books and towels from every hotel he stayed at, coaching his kids’ sports teams, chaperoning his kids’ field trips and dances, spending time with his grandsons, and getting on his wife’s last nerve. He also loved hearing and telling dirty jokes-although he never got the punchline right, Elvis, animals, Donald Trump, casinos, doo wop music, concerts, pasta, hot dogs, and his sweets towards the end. But what he loved most was being a husband, father, and grandfather.
Thomas was a ladies man who broke the hearts of many until he found his main squeeze of almost 54 years, Cynthia Lassen Bergen. Thomas would call Cindy, the love of his life, a saint for putting up with him and taking care of him for over half a century. Cindy will miss his world class massages and the belly laughs from his one-of-a-kind sense of humor. Thomas and Cynthia have two children, Bryce Bergen, age 53, of Bethel Park, PA and Breanne Deeb, age 46, of DuBois, PA. Thomas took the role of “World’s Best Father” to a whole new level. He left his successful job at Prudential Insurance to start a business with his son Bryce, who loved sports. They opened Bergen’s Collectibles and Comics in Carnegie, PA in 1987, which eventually led to Thomas and Bryce becoming the largest promoters of sports card shows on the East Coast in the 90s-have you heard of BergenMania? Bryce continues to run a successful business to this day. During his offtime from being a hustling salesman, Thomas spent time with his daughter, Breanne and his two grandsons, Brady and Caden Deeb. Thomas and Breanne were two peas in a pod and went on many fun adventures together over the years. From sneaking into a New Kids on the Block Concert to getting stuck on the Swings at Kennywood, there was never a dull moment when those two were together.
Thomas is survived by his loving wife Cynthia, his children Bryce (Lori) Bergen and Breanne (Michael) Deeb, and his grandsons Brady Deeb, age 21 and Caden Deeb, age 18.
There will be no public visitation. A celebration of life service will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you thank a veteran, tell a dirty joke, spend time with the people you love, and carry out a random act of kindness in Thomas’ memory!
Thomas would be disappointed to know that the Smithsonian denied preserving and displaying his “manhood,” his ashes can no longer be spread across the Playboy Mansion which is uninhabited, and his wife broke down and purchased an urn, instead of using a Maxwell House Coffee Can to tote him around in. Despite these minor setbacks, his family wants him to know that they are grateful for the beautiful life they shared with him and they will miss him every day. To quote Tom’s favorite Elvis song and his lifelong motto, “I did it my way!” Rest Easy Big D! We love you to the moon and back-until we meet again!
The Baronick Funeral Home & Crematorium, Inc. is in charge of arrangements.
