Memorial Services Set for Somers Drowning Victim

Funeral arrangements for Somers native have been set, according to his obituary on LoHud.com.

Family will receive friends at in Katonah today between 2 and 4 p.m. and 7 and 9 p.m. A memorial is scheduled on Saturday, July 14 at 1:30 p.m. at on Route 100 in Somers.

The family has asked that donations be made to at 611 Granite Springs Rd. in Yorktown Heights in lieu of flowers. 

Bergman drowned after disappearing Sunday, July 8 at around 3 a.m. The NewsTimes.com reports that Bergman was attending a party hosted by a friend who was watching her relative's home on Ridgebury Road in Ridgefield, CT when he disappeared. His body was discovered approximately . 

In the obituary, Bergman is described as a high-achiever who excelled in sports including lacrosse and football, and academically, earning a National Merit Scholarship Award. He attended Boston University, where he studied English, after graduating from North Salem High School in 2007. Bergman was employed by J&J Pharmacy in Teaneck, NJ. 

Bergman's obituary also states that he enjoyed "boy scouts, playing piano and achieved a Black Belt in Kenpo Karate."

Bergman's friends have used Facebook to express their grief over this death. Fellow North Salem High School graduate John Chiappetta wrote on Monday, "Rest easy alex. Ur seat will always be saved."

Jamie Sirkin, the director of Summer Trails Day Camp in Somers where Bergman had worked, told Patch, "We are saddened to have learned the news of Alex’s passing and our deepest sympathy goes out to his family and loved ones."

The Bergmans adopted a Guiding Eyes for the Blind released dog Kip in 1999.

"We are deeply saddened to hear of Alex's passing and we extend our sincere condolences to his family and friends," said Michelle Brier, Guiding Eyes' director of marketing and communications.

"Alex was a gifted writer, thinker, friend to all who knew him. A wonderful student and person in every way. We express our deepest sympathies to Alex's family and friends," North Salem Schools Superintendent Kenneth Freeston has told media.

Patch could not reach Bergman's parents, Dale and Gail; their phone number is unlisted.  

As the community prepares to officially mourn the loss of Bergman, the NewsTimes.com reports that some controversy has developed over the search effort, which ended with the discovery of the man's body at the very home where he had gone missing nearly two days earlier. According to the paper authorities who first arrived at the house had looked into the pool, but didn't find the body because of the murky water.

 and began a search that included Ridgefield police, Connecticut State Police bloodhounds, all-terrain vehicles, a Westchester County helicopter and the Newtown (CT) Underwater Search and Rescue Team. Residents in the surrounding area were notified through the emergency notification system of Bergman's disappearance. 

No foul play is suspected. 

For more information on the receiving hours, contact Clark Associates Funeral Home in Katonah. 

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