The Reverend Monsignor Thomas J. Bergin, pastor emeritus of the Church of St. Charles in Staten Island, entered eternal life on May 2, 2024, at age 88.

Monsignor Thomas Bergin was born in Riverdale, The Bronx, on June 6, 1935. The son of Thomas J. Bergin Sr. and Marie (Connola) Bergin, he graduated from Regis High School before entering St. Joseph’s Seminary, Dunwoodie. 

He was ordained a priest of the Archdiocese of New York on May 27, 1961 and was assigned to the Church of St. Charles in Staten Island in the founding days of the parish. He also taught Latin at the newly opened Monsignor Farrell High School while an assistant at St. Charles. He then was assigned as a full-time faculty member at Monsignor Farrell High School, and taught Latin while being a guidance counsellor, and athletic director. During this time he earned a Master of Education degree from Richmond College and certification in educational administration. He also held a Master’s Degree in Latin from Hunter College, as well as permanent New York State Certifications in Latin, School Administration and Supervision, and School District Administration.

In 1973, he became principal of Moore Catholic High School, until 1982. At 38, he was the youngest Archdiocesan priest to serve as a high school principal. He was pastor of the Church of St. Mary, Poughkeepsie, for a year before returning as supervising principal of Monsignor Farrell High School in 1983. During his tenure as Monsignor Farrell High School principal, Father Bergin was elevated to Monsignor in 1990 by Pope John Paul II. 

In 1992, Monsignor Bergin was named Vicar for Education by John Cardinal O’Connor, with responsibility for the entire school system within the Archdiocese of New York.

While Vicar for Education, he also served as Chancellor of the Archdiocese of New York concurrently for one year. In 1995, he became president of Cathedral Girls’ High School, Manhattan, while serving as Vicar for Education for one more year.

He became administrator of the Church of St. Raymond, The Bronx, in May 2002 before being named as the fifth pastor of St. Charles by Cardinal Edward Egan in 2004.

During his life of service to the Staten Island community, Monsignor Bergin served as a member of numerous boards of directors, including serving as President of the Board of Trustees of Monsignor Farrell High School and Vice-President of the Board of Trustees of Moore Catholic High School. 

Reaching the mandatory retirement age of 80, Msgr. Bergin became pastor emeritus of St. Charles parish, but then was called back into active service to guide several parishes in difficult situations. His last years were spent at the St. John Vianney Clergy Residence in Riverdale, The Bronx, while Monsignor continued to assist at St. Charles, the Church of St. Ann, and Our Lady of Good Counsel parishes. He is survived by numerous nieces and nephews, and thousands of former students.

“On behalf of the entire Farrell Family, I grieve the loss of a towering figure who was not only a guiding star, but a beloved friend,” said Lou Tobacco, ’90, president of Monsignor Farrell High School, in a statement. “Monsignor Bergin’s legacy transcends the physical spaces of Monsignor Farrell or the traditions we hold dear; it is deeply rooted in the sen of our Catholic community he fostered within us,” he added. “His absence leaves a profound void in our hearts.”