The Reverend Francis Van Bergen died Tuesday, November 20th, after having received the prayerful support and consolation of the Sacraments.
Francis G. Van Bergen was born on 13 August 1928. His parents were the late Frank W. and Marcella E. (Wagner). He was educated at St. Philomena, East Cleveland, St. Ignatius High School, John Carroll University, St. Gregory Seminary and St. Mary Seminary. On 19 May 1956 in the Cathedral of Saint John the Evangelist, Archbishop Edward F. Hoban ordained him to the priesthood for the service of the Diocese of Cleveland.
Father Van Bergen's first assignment was as Parochial Vicar at Saint Peter, Akron. On 8 June 1961 he was appointed Parochial Vicar at Saint Leo the Great, Cleveland. Father Van Bergen was transferred on 11 June 1964 to serve as Parochial Vicar at St. Henry, Cleveland. On 5 June 1975 he was appointed Vicar Coadjutor of Saint Catherine, Cleveland. On 7 January 1977 Father Van Bergen was appointed Pastor of Saint Clare Parish, Lyndhurst. Father Van Bergen was appointed Parochial Vicar at Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Wickliffe effective 7 April 1983. Father Van Bergen was transferred to Immaculate Conception, Willoughby on 24 June 1986 to serve as Parochial Vicar. On 18 June 1991 he was appointed Parochial Vicar at Saint Gregory the Great, South Euclid where he served until his retirement on 31 December 2004. Father Van Bergen also served as Chaplain for Knights of Columbus Gilmour Council #310 in 1977 and as Spiritual Director of Northeast Curia the Legion of Mary in 1989.
The wake will begin on Saturday, 24 November at DeJOHN-FL YNN-MYLOTT Funeral Home of South Euclid, 4600 Mayfield Road, South Euclid from 3:00 - 6:00 pm. Vespers will be held Sunday, 25 November at 3:00 pm in Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, 1545 South Green Road, South Euclid and will end with 5 :00 pm Mass. Vespers will be celebrated by Bishop Roger Gries. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, 26 November at 11 :00 am in Sacred Heart of Jesus Church. Bishop Richard G. Lennon will be the main celebrant and Father James O'Donnell will be the homilist. Interment is at Calvary Cemetery.
May Father Van Bergen and all our priests, deacons and bishops who have died, live forever in the joy of the Resurrection.