Farewell to a class act

Feb. 07--ROCHESTER -- To those who knew Louis Bergeron, the former state senator was a man with a big heart, even while he was shrewdly running the Bergeron Insurance Agency in Rochester or the state's Insurance Department.

Bergeron passed away Jan. 31 at the age of 83 at Tidewell Hospice in Palmetto, Florida, according to his obituary. The Rochester native served 10 years as a state senator and 10 years as the state's insurance commissioner.

He also served numerous years on several state and regional insurance commissions and in many local organizations, including stints as the president of both the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce and the Rochester Kiwanis Club.

"He was class act in so many ways," said Strafford County Commissioner George Maglaras, who got to know Bergeron while serving in the state Legislature in the 1970s. "It's a great loss for the people of our region."

Born in Rochester on March 22, 1934, Bergeron was one of 10 ten children of Lucien and Catherine (Johnson) Bergeron. Lucien operated a bakery in Rochester before opening the Bergeron Insurance Agency, which Louis eventually took over.

Louis Bergeron's decades of service includes time as chairman of the Northeastern Zone of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, executive vice president of the New England Alliance of Independent Insurance Agents and vice president of the Conference of Insurance Regulators.

The Spaulding High School and University of New Hampshire graduate also served on boards for Indian Head Bank and Trust Company, Fleet Bank, Holy Rosary Credit Union and Frisbie Memorial Hospital.

Retired County Commissioner Paul Dumont knew Bergeron's family for many years and said he grew close with Louis while the two were in Kiwanis together. The duo frequently enjoyed lively political chats over drinks at Dumont's home bar.

"We just had good times together," said Dumont. "It was nice to have a couple drinks with him and talk politics. Great times. Great times."

State Sen. Jim Gray, R-Rochester, is among the individuals who have posted and submitted tributes to the late Bergeron since his passing.

"As the current Senator for District 6, which he represented for ten years, I can attest to his unending leadership in businesses and government, having served as the Commissioner for the NH Insurance Department," Gray said in a statement. "He will be remembered fondly for his service and his commitment to this community and the State of New Hampshire."

Bergeron is survived by his wife, Florrie (Callahan) Bergeron of Bradenton, Fla., and his children. A memorial service and internment will be held this spring at Holy Rosary Cemetery in Rochester, according to his obituary.

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