Donnie Bergeron was born to Percy and Dorothy Bergeron on July 9, 1951. He passed away December 30, 2024, at the age of 73. Donnie was a native Floridian who graduated from Plantation High School, where he played on the football team.

Donnie worked at Bergeron Land Development for most of his adult life. He wore many hats over the years, but Donnie always had a positive impact on everyone that he came in contact with. His work spanned significant road jobs throughout south Florida including I-595 expansion, the expansion of the Sawgrass Expressway, and multiple Everglades Restoration projects. At work, the employees looked up to him and admired him. Donnie had a towering presence but was a big teddy bear within the heart of a lion.

Donnie married Marie Hlay on January 16, 1971, and remained married until the day that he died. Marie was his best friend, wife, the love of his life, his anchor and his everything. He always used to tell us that he started a conversation with Marie when they first met, and that conversation never ended! Donnie and Marie have one daughter, Sommer, who they both love and are so proud of. Early in their marriage, Donnie, Marie Sommer and their beloved dog, Cross, headed off to Wyoming to live their dream and lived in a pop-up tent sleeping under the stars surrounded by the magnificent rocky mountains. Donnie always treasured those memorable years and spoke of that time they had together as magical.

Donnie enjoyed the outdoors, loved fishing and treasured spending time in the Everglades with his wife Marie, his brothers and friends. He had a fascination with the natural world and all the things that live in it. He was a gifted storyteller, enchanting one and all who had the privilege of hearing one of his fascinating tales. Donnie was the quintessential Gladesman.

Donnie was a man of God and studied to become an ordained minister with a degree in theology.  Even though he did not actively work as a minister, he shared his knowledge and biblical teachings with those around him. He was admired as a counselor to many and quietly provided guidance for those who sought his assistance.

Donnie, you will live in our hearts and in our memories. Your loved ones will always be taken care of as long as we are around- you can be sure of that. You lived your life on your terms, how you wanted to live and you left it all on the field. you will be MISSED!

Donnie is survived by his wife, Marie, his daughter, Sommer, his granddaughter, Lexi, his brother, Ron Bergeron, Sr. and a large family in South Florida and Louisiana.