Obituary
Jeffrey Bruce Bergen
january 14, 1953 – march 13, 2024
In Loving Memory of Jeffrey
Jeffrey Bruce Bergen, a tireless champion of American Art, has passed away at age 71.
A deep thinker and philosopher, Jeffrey studied metaphysics throughout his life and served on the board of the New York Open Center which was the largest holistic health center in the United States. Jeffrey’s interests spanned many areas including a deep commitment to philanthropy and continued the gallery’s long standing tradition of promoting and financing socially responsible, humanitarian and ecological causes through art.
Jeffrey Bergen was a loving father, husband, and dear friend to so many.
Everyone blessed by the comfort of his presence felt his humble and quiet wisdom. He was idiosyncratic and witty and shared his passion for art, nature, and all things sacred freely. He inspired people to be their best. His compassion for anyone he met was epic. Kindness was his religion. He was our wizard of love and we will hold him forever in our hearts.
The amount of love and support that we received during his transition and after his passing was absolutely palpable. We are extremely grateful for the remarkable community that Jeffrey touched and who have become family to us.
To honor his memory, we have gathered a selection of mementos, photos and references to some of the many contributions he offered to the world. May his legacy of light ripple out for eternity.
“We are the ones that shine so bright when it’s so dark out there.
Oh, Father, help us see the light.
We see the signs so clear. In heaven on this night they cry,
but we all sing through our tears.”
-Vaughn
Memorial Memories
Casey Bergen
“ I was amazed at how many colleagues, for that fact, competitors that stopped by the gallery expressing their condolences and saying how my father gave them their first opportunities in the art world. That is the kind of guy he was.”
“My dad was the embodiment of the Golden Rule. He was so kind, so loving to everyone he met, no matter who you are. He loved for love’s sake and was deeply loved in return.“
“Bergenville – where there’s always room for one more! And where it’s okay to use an ancient artifact as an ashtray, and where love, community and connection reign!”
Sandy Rower
The last message I received from Jeffrey was “In life, find more joy and less agida.” Seek out JOY, pull away from aggravation. Jeffrey did that so well in his life.
Josh Mailman
"In many ways, Jeff wasn’t a part of the 21st Century. He didn’t use the internet, he didn’t have a credit card and for someone who loved to buy treasures he had no particular affinity for ebay!"
Jonathan Monckton
“May the longtime sun shine upon Jeff. All love surround him, and the sweet light within him guide his life on.“
Rabbi Ingber
“He was a kindred seeker who put love and truth above all things. And his love and his yearning for connection was really profound.“
Steven Bakur
"He was a very special guy who had his own unique way of talking, walking, living, and dealing with people and life in general. He was one-of-a-kind. A unique and lovely person, and a most distinctive individual.”
Carol Beebe
“And Jeffrey saved my husbands life. Because of him, I now have two step granddaughters who are 23 and 26 who would never have been here.”
Mikaela Sardo Lamarche
“He made everyone feel seen and heard and unjudged. And in turn, he shared unconditionally his love of art for all that care.”
See the full memorial recording
A fountain full of love and more was always coming He lived, he laughed, he sang with the Headband! But without the head leading, let the heart take a stand “Follow the Jeffrey plan.” The words are heard from above. He says that “Life’s too short to not receive all the love That’s all around us, it’s boundless, so just let it in!” It was his time to leave, now it’s our time to lead! So, let the bells ring and see what all your love brings. Keep him inside your heart and together let’s sing!” – Vaughn