Lino Bergenti of Southampton died on June 10. He was 99.
Born on October 13, 1913, in Pittsburgh, he was the son of Domenico Bergenti and Florinda Rinaldi Bergenti, both of whom had emigrated from Italy. At the age of 6, the family returned to Italy and Mr. Bergenti was raised and attended school there. He returned to the United States at the age of 17 and worked as a bar boy and later in such places as the Savoy Plaza, Longchamps and eventually Luchow’s on 14th Street in Manhattan, where he worked as bar manager of the restaurant’s five bars. In 1940, he married Fernande “Peggy” Gamard, whom he had met through her father, the sous chef at the Savoy Plaza. She predeceased him in 2006.
During World War II, Mr. Bergenti was stationed in Alabama, where he trained troops in artillery. After the war, he returned to New York and he and Peggy lived in Astoria, where, in 1945, their son John was born. During this time, the family would make trips to Southampton to visit family. In 1950, he bought property on Little Neck Road and on weekends he built his vacation home, where he ultimately retired at the age of 65.
His retirement years were spent gardening, fishing and winemaking. He also was able to spend a lot of time with his family and particularly his grandchildren. Survivors said they will always fondly remember all he had taught them and that he will be remembered as a very loving, honorable, humble man who loved to be with his family and friends.
Mr. Bergenti is survived by his son, John Bergenti and his wife Lilly of Southampton; and three grandsons, Caine, James and Jeffrey.
Visitation was at the O’Connell Funeral Home in Southampton on June 15. A funeral Mass was said at the Basilica Parish of Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary on June 17. Interment was at the church cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made to East End Hospice, Box 1048, Westhampton Beach, NY 11978.
on Jul 1, 2013