DENNIS JOSEPH BERGEVIN, age 72, and longtime resident of Allegheny West, passed away in the early morning of Friday, November 24, 2023.
Dennis was born on April 5, 1951 in Philadelphia, PA to the late Gerald Bergevin and Rita Caruso Bergevin. As a child, his family moved to San Diego, CA, where Dennis was raised.
At the age of 18, Dennis’ lifelong career as an artist took off when he was awarded a grant to study markup and wig-making at the National Opera Institute in New York City (now OPERA America). He was owner of Elsen Associates, a Pittsburgh-based company that provided wig and makeup design to theater companies throughout the country and abroad.
With his ever-present, captivating smile, his outstanding talent and true enjoyment of the trade, Dennis’ profession took him around the world, allowing him to establish many lasting friendships.
Dennis was a natural artist, having talent in different media including sculpting and painting. His work was featured in many art galleries in various states, including Watergate Gallery in Washington, DC, Gallery Chiz and The Mattress Factory in Pittsburgh. Dennis also began and led the annual art exhibition in Allegheny West, featuring neighborhood and other local artists.
Dennis was a brilliant light in his community. He loved people and was a magnet for many in all spectrums of life. He was a true romantic, lover of all things beautiful, and a discerning collector (of at least one of everything!). Dennis had a sharp wit, a compassionate heart and an ever-inquiring mind. He was greatly loved and will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his mother-in-law, Jeanne Schreck.
Dennis is survived by his beloved husband, Doug Schreck; three siblings, Gerald Bergevin (Bonnie TuSmith) of Boston, MA; Paul Bergevin of Goleta, CA; and Catena Bergevin (Anthony Tedesco) of Greensboro, NC; and niece and nephew, Analise Munday (Brandon) of Winston-Salem, NC and Ludy Bahneman (Bella) of Norfolk, VA. Also surviving are Dennis’ sister-in-law, Katie Strickland (Tom); brother-in-law, John Schreck; niece, Sarah Strickland; nephews Kevin Strickland and Douglas Schreck (Laura), all of Pittsburgh, and nephew Daniel Schreck of Phoenix, AZ; dear friend, Jeffrey Frank, of Sarasota, FL; and many extended family and friends.
Dennis’ family would like to extend a sincere thank you to the many dear friends and family who have shown their support and love.
A private Celebration of Life will be held in the spring. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation in Dennis’ name to Persad Center, persadcenter.networkforgood.com.
McDonald-Linn Funeral Home is assisting Dennis’ family. Online condolences can be made at www.mcdonald-linn.com.