John Bermingham, 88, of Dartmouth, passed away on Sunday April 30, 2023.
John was born in Lynn, Massachusetts in 1934, to Alice (O’Leary) and John Bermingham. He lived in New Bedford until the family moved to Dartmouth during his grade school years. He attended the Gidley School, and had fond memories of the teachers and friends he made there. Later he went to Coyle High School in Taunton and majored in history at Tufts University, graduating in 1956.
Joining the Marine Corps, he served as an infantry officer in California. Subsequently, he received an MBA at the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Finance. His career was in commercial banking, augmented by periods of part-time teaching, specifically at Anna Maria College, Lesley College, and most recently UMASS Dartmouth. He variously taught Economics, Business and Finance related courses.
Along the way, Jack engaged in his community, teaching CCD and ESL courses, visiting nursing home patients, and assisting former students in obtaining employment. He served on several boards, one being The Dartmouth Natural Resources Trust, as Secretary. Together with one of the five successive family golden retrievers he could often be found walking the DNRT’s trails or with the clean-up crews.
To say that Jack loved sports would be an understatement. He was a runner for many years, finishing two marathons. He played golf at the Country Club of New Bedford. He was an ardent supporter of the New England Professional Sports teams. If the Sox were in a slump, so was he.
As a listener, he loved Opera, Broadway, and march music, specifically that of the famous bandmaster John Phillip Sousa. (his maternal grandfather Eugene O'Leary played in that band.) If there was a parade, he'd be there.
Jack had dual American/Irish citizenship, which was a source of great pride and joy to him. He was actively involved in Irish Politics here and in Ireland.
He is survived by his wife Marianne, daughter Caitlin, sister Ann Hickey (Gerald), brother Mark, and several wonderful nieces and nephews.
His Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Mary's Church, Dartmouth at 10 am on Monday, May 8th. Visiting hours will be Sunday, May 7th at the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St. New Bedford from 2-5 pm. For an online condolence book, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Alzheimer's Association (alz.org), the Dartmouth Natural Resources Trust (dnrt.org), or Yankee Golden Retriever Rescue (www.ygrr.org).