Joseph Bergmaier Jr.

Joseph Philip Bergmaier passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his loving family, after a long, courageous battle with dementia and a brief illness. He was 76 years old.

Born in Philadelphia on September 22, 1948, to Joseph and Elizabeth (McGovern) Bergmaier, Joe was the eldest of 13 children. He grew up in Philadelphia, Croydon, and Valley Forge, where he developed the strong family values and work ethic that would define his life.

He met his beloved wife Sandra Woehr, at the Boulevard Dance as a teenager. They married in 1969, beginning a devoted partnership that would span over five decades.

After graduating from LaSalle High School, he proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy from 1969 to 1973. Later, Joe returned to college, earning his degree in Civil Engineering from Temple University in 1991.

Joe dedicated his professional life to construction, working for a handful of businesses including Berkeley Construction, the company founded by his father. As a respected Project Manager and Estimator, he built not only structures but lasting relationships throughout the industry.

A devoted family man, Joe was the proud father of two children, Melissa and James, and cherished grandfather to six grandchildren: Kali, Quinten, Violet, Camille, Edward, and Dennis. He was also blessed to meet his great-granddaughter, Peyton. His large extended family includes 34 nieces and nephews and countless aunts, uncles, cousins, grand-nieces, and grand-nephews, all of whom held a special place in his heart.

Joe’s passion for youth development shone through his years of coaching soccer and baseball, where he served as President of the Simpson Athletic Association. Even in later years, he continued this commitment by helping coach his granddaughter’s soccer and softball teams, always encouraging young athletes to do their best.

His hobbies reflected his attention to detail and love of craftsmanship. As an avid model railroader, he served as President of the National Model Railroaders Association Philadelphia Division, sharing his expertise and enthusiasm with fellow hobbyists. He was also a knowledgeable collector of beer steins, finding joy in the history and artistry of each piece. Joe was a lifelong learner who loved to read. Be was known most for his humor and for his passion for music. He could often be found listening to music and singing along with his favorite songs. He enjoyed vacationing in Ocean City, NJ every year with his family and relaxing at the beach with his wife.

Joe is survived by his loving wife Sandra; children Melissa and James; six grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and his siblings Michael, James, Patricia, Thomas, Margaret, Elizabeth, Timothy, Robert, Keith, Kevin, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers William and Dennis.

Throughout his life, Joe exemplified the values of hard work, dedication to family, and service to community. His legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched through his coaching, his professional work, and most importantly, through the large and loving family he leaves behind.

A graveside service will be held on Thursday, June 19, 2025 at 11 AM at Calvary Cemetery: 2025 Old Gulph Rd, Villanova, PA 19085.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Amylodosis research at https://www.amyloidosissupport.org/donations.html