Michael Cole “Mike” Bercse, Jr.
November 4, 1945 - December 13, 2022
Michael Cole “Mike” Bercse, Jr., age 77, of Newark, DE, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family on Tuesday, December 13, 2022.
Born in Wilmington, DE on November 4, 1945, he was the son of the late Michael Cole Bercse, Sr., and Theresa Mary (Davis) Tall. Mike proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps as part of the Rifle Squad from 1962 to 1966. He was retired as a truck driver from Chrysler (Mopar) and proudly a member of the Teamsters Union. Even after retirement, Mike continued to drive trucks for Hale Trailer Brake & Wheel, Inc., and worked at Raytheon Technologies until 2010.
Mike was very social and loved to be out and about. He was a straight shooter who never minced words. He would strike up a conversation with anyone near him and loved getting to know new people. You would often hear him talking about the state of the country and politics. In his life of driving a truck, he had been to every city and almost every state and knew all the best roads to travel. When he wasn’t on the road, Mike could often be found working on a project on his house, on his land or on his Harley Davidson. Mike had built several cars and Harley motorcycles throughout his lifetime. In his younger years, he was a member of the motorcycle club “Over the Hill” gang. He worked as an advocate for motorcycle freedom legislation within the well know organization, ABATE, having proudly influenced the reversal of the Delaware motorcycle helmet law. Mike was also involved with the American Legion in Seaford; DE having served as Vice Commander. After Mike’s wife passed away in 2020, he moved from his residence in Seaford, DE back to Newark, DE to be closer with his children and grandchildren. There he began attending Parkview Assembly of God with his daughter and family.
In addition to his parents, Mike was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Brenda Lee (Brown) Bercse. He is survived by his loving daughters, Victoria Delaney, Jessica Mazzone (Joe), and Theresa Bercse Thomas (Chad); 9 grandchildren; and 3 great-grandchildren.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 11 am until 12 pm on Saturday, January 7, 2023, at Parkview Assembly of God, 235 Polly Drummond Hill Road, Newark, DE, where a memorial service will begin at 12 pm. Inurnment will be held at 11 am on Monday, January 9, 2023, in Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 2465 Chesapeake City Road, Bear, DE.
Sarah Warner
Jessica and family, you are in my thoughts and I’m very sorry for your loss! ❤️
Sarah (Lilly) Warner
Judy DiRienzo
Condolences to Mike’s family; we are so very sorry for your sad loss. Mike was a good friend and neighbor and we shared many good times together. May he rest in Gods arms…….
Judy and Vic DiRienzo
Rhonda Moore
May the God of comfort comfort at this time. Rhonda and Jeff Moore
JR Parks
My deepest condolences to your family. May you all find peace, love, and joy in remembrance.
Eric & Dana Nordin
Going to miss Mike! Love to all the family and our prayers are with you during this difficult time.
AMY WALTER
I am so sorry for your loss. From, Your VA Work Family
Thomas Brown
My condolences to the family.
Tom Brown
Vernon McDowell
So sorry for your loss.
Prayers for the family.
Ellen Lasarko
Theresa I am so sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing. Reading his obituary, he sounds like someone I probably would have hung out with back in the day. I will pray for peace of mind and comfort for you and your family.
Enrique Feliciano
It is never easy to say goodbye.
To family and friends, sorry for your loss. I will keep you in my prayers. Please accept my deepest condolences.
Lindsey Fillman
Theresa, Jessica, Vicky & Family, I am so so sorry for your loss. My heart is with you all of you. May your dad rest in peace.