BERGGREN, J. Philip J. Philip Berggren, 85, of Ivoryton, died Tuesday, (June 29, 2004) at Middlesex Hospital in Middletown. He was born on July 11, 1918, above his father's dairy store on Main Street in Middletown. He was a loving husband, devoted father and proud veteran of World War II. Phil was educated in the Middletown Public Schools and graduated from Middletown High School, where he was more commonly and affectionately known as "Tweet." Phil continued his education at Worcester Polytechnic Institute where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering in 1942. Immediately upon graduating, Phil joined many of his classmates and volunteered for service in the United States Navy. Following his successful completion of Officer Candidate School and his commission as an Ensign, Phil completed specialized coursework at MIT, Harvard and Bowdoin College related to RADAR and was ultimately assigned to the USS Card in the Atlantic Theater. On board the Card, Phil was involved in a serious accident that left him hospitalized for many months. Phil was eligible to be honorably discharged as a result of his injuries. Upon his release from the hospital he traveled to the Department of the Navy in Washington and petitioned for his reinstatement. It was granted and in 1944, he was assigned to CVE 93, the USS Makin Island. During his tour of duty in the Pacific Theater, Phil served proudly in the decisive battles at Luzon, Iwo Jima and Okinawa. After being recalled to active duty during the Korean War, Phil was honorably discharged as a Lieutenant Commander in 1952. Following World War II, Phil began a distinguished 39 year career with Aetna Life & Casualty where he was an officer of the company and rose to be Director of Technical Services. Phil was active in local politics as well as in youth sports. He was involved in many civic, fraternal and social organizations and served on many town boards and committees. Phil's primary focus was the lives of his wife and children and more recently those of his grandchildren, who referred to him affectionately as "Papa." He was actively engaged in his children's school lives, athletic endeavors and in the lives of their friends. Phil was a coach in both little league and youth basketball and volunteered in many other events and activities involving his kids. He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Lorraine; 2 daughters, a son; and eight adoring grandchildren,. Burial at River View Cemetery in Essex. Funeral arrangements by Robinson, Wright & Weymer Funeral Home.

A complete obituary was published in The Hartford Courant on July 2, 2004