One of Port's favorite centenarians, and this year's Pride in Port Grand Marshal, George Bergman, passed away on Nov. 3, two days shy of his 102nd birthday. He died at St. Francis Hospital following a mini-stroke he suffered as a result of a fall he had taken about a month ago.

Known for his arch conservatism, pithy remarks, brutal honesty and political incorrectness, "Uncle George," as he came to be known about town through his witty, often satirical, "Uncle George Says" writings, kept his sharp mind till the end. Prior to the fall that proved fatal for this town treasure, he held "court" at Finn MacCool's Restaurant every Tuesday night, regaling his dinner guests with his cleverly phrased, and "interesting" opinions It was a tearful Catherine O'Neill, manager of Finn's, who first informed the Port News of George's passing.

Commenting on George's indomitable will, Lucina Calenda, a "lady friend" of George's, remarked that he managed to be born on Nov. 5, and buried on Nov. 5. However, as Mr. Kummer commented in his tribute to George in this week's letters to the editor section, he just missed being alive in three centuries.

A memorial service will be held at a date still to be determined.

Spanning ten decades, George's life was well-textured with rich experiences, many talents and love.

The second son of hardworking immigrant parents, John and Zerlina Bergman from Latvia and Germany, George attended Military School, Horace Mann and De Witt Clinton High School. His father John's entrepreneurial spirit led him from Bowery flophouse bouncer to owner of The Illustrated Postal Card Company and the employer of 500.

George enlisted in the Marine Corps during World War I and was stationed in Haiti and Cuba. A gifted marksman, he became the American National Masters US Champion in 1932.

When asked in an interview for his 100th "big bash" birthday celebration, held at the Village of Sands Point Club, what the highlight of his life was, he said "my wife, Ruth," whom he had married on Aug. 2, 1935. He described Mrs. Bergman, who passed away eight years ago on Memorial Day, as "a lady." He said that the key to his successful 56-year marriage was that they "accommodated each other." Always editorializing, he commented that they were married in City Hall, "without 20 bridesmaids and 20 ushers."

In a touching tribute to the love of his life, he told the Port News that even though his uncle advised him to "marry a rich widow," he married for love, and obviously never regretted it.

The Bergman's happy marriage produced two children, Susan and John.

In another interview with George Bergman in the March 6, 1997 issue of the Port News, Robin Ziegelbaum described his home and his workplace:

"Living in the same home since 1941, his interior reflects his strong family ties and love of history. A weathered 1857 world map lines his study wall with family photos and sentimental sonnets, calligraphied by his daughter Susan. Betsy Ross's great-granddaughter sewed and signed a replica of her great-grandmother's handiwork, the flag---to George---May 9, 1918---another historic find.

Even George's business, The Blair Tool and Machine Corporation, in College Point, Queens, run by George for the next 65 years until 1991, was a historic site. This prototype shop included a list of American moguls on the first rung of their success ladder. His customers included Grumman's (working out of a four-car garage in Baldwin), Igor Sikorsky (making amphibians), Alex Seversky (Republic Aircraft), Dupont and Q-Tips.

He was always proud that Blair Tool made parts of the Norden bomb site as part of the WWII war effort.

Mr. Bergman was part of many historical events. As a small child on an ocean liner approaching the English coast, he was hoisted on his father's shoulders to witness semaphores signaling the death of Queen Victoria. He rode in an airplane with Lindbergh and was a passenger on an early helicopter flight with Sikorsky when he accidently dumped his invention into Flushing Bay.

Town history buff Joan Kent commented on George's passing: "In the first three/quarters of the century of his life, George Bergman was a U.S. Marine, husband and father and successful businessman. He served his Village of Sands Point as a building inspector, trustee, mayor and planning board chairman. In the last quarter of his life, Bergman became Port Washington's "Uncle George," setting an example for all of us as to how to live and enjoy our senior and post graduate years.

George was interviewed by the library in 1994 and spoke about the importance of reading in his later years: "What else am I going to do anymore? I no longer go to work. The days are long, Mrs. Bergman is no longer with me. The days are long, nights are long as well. I play at golf, not really a golfer. I surf cast, but that's only a summer activity. So reading is important to me."

A regular visitor to the Port Washington Public Library, he read Der Spiegel there weekly to keep up his German.

Besides his agile mind, Mr. Bergman possessed other gifts. He was a national champion pistol and rifle shot, setting several American records for accuracy. The Remington Rifle Company featured him in advertisements, spotlighting his winning ten out of a possible ten bulls-eyes at 100 yards. He was a member of the International Small-bore Team in 1926, Captain of the New York State Civilian Rifle Team at Camp Perry, Ohio, for many years, and winner of the Hays Match at Sea Girt in 1929. He captained the winning pistol team at the President's Cup Match in 1935.

Civic-minded, George Bergman was three-time mayor of Sands Point beginning in the 1940s. The current mayor of Sands Point, Leonard Wurzel, said of George, "He should be treated as a treasure. He was one-of-a-kind." He added, "He'd stop by the Village Hall, pour out some of his wisdom, telling us how the village should be run. He had a sense of humor and also knew things change."

In light of a comment made by George at one of his 100-year-old birthday parties, his passing is somewhat bittersweet: "As I drive by some of the old homes I think I hear laughter. I see only ghosts. Being the last man isn't much fun." Upon hearing of Mr. Bergman's death, many people recalled this comment.

He leaves behind a daughter Susan Meehan and son John Bergman; five grandchildren, Eric, Laura and Jeanne Bergman, and Christopher and Alisoun Meehan. He was also uncle to Patricia Meyer, Jay Edwards and Judy Williams.. In addition, a wonderful friend, Lucina Calenda, was a trusted companion in his last years.