Dr. Richard F. Bergeron

A loving son, brother, uncle and retired psychiatrist, Dr. Richard F. Bergeron, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 8, 2020, at East Jefferson Hospital at 5:30 P.M., following a brief hospital stay and a lengthy illness, at age 79. The son of the late Phillip and Annette Beauvais Bergeron, Richard was one of seven children, who was born in Thibodaux, LA on July 12, 1940. Dr. Bergeron lived in Thibodaux all of his formative years, having attended the Lafourche Parish public schools and graduating from Thibodaux High School in 1957 and the LSU Medical School in New Orleans, LA, in 1965. After graduation, he completed his residency in psychiatry at University Hospital in Brooklyn, NY. Following his studies there, he returned to New Orleans and taught at the LSU Medical School, while also opening a private practice in uptown New Orleans. After working at the medical school for five years, he joined the Louisiana State Mental Health System, serving as the State Director and later as the Medical Director for the Pontchartrain Mental Health Center in both Gentilly and on Elysian Fields Avenue in New Orleans. He remained with the State Department of Mental Health until his retirement in 2002, having worked a total of 37 years as a physician. A quiet, gentle and humble man, Dr. Bergeron treated all with dignity and respect. He is survived by his eldest brother, Dr. Phillip Bergeron, Jr. (Iona), and one sister, Connie (late Harrold) Long, and numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. He was involved in many mental health associations, namely: New Orleans Mental Health Association, the Louisiana Psychiatric Association, the New Orleans Psycho-Analytic Institute, and the Gertrude Stein Society. He was preceded by his parents, the late Annette Beauvais and Phillip Bergeron, Sr., one sister, Jerie B. Gillaspie, and three brothers: Cecil (the late Marie), Robert and Charles Bergeron. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Humane Society, or a local Food Pantry of your choosing. E.J. Fielding Funeral Home in Covington is in charge of arrangements. Please sign the E.J. Fielding Funeral Home online Guest Book at www.ejfieldingfh.com.

Dr. Richard F. Bergeron

July 12, 1940 - May 8, 2020