Charles Berkins

Charles Clinton Berkins March 17, 1948 – August 4, 2026

Charles Clinton “Chuck” Berkins, born in Rochester, Minnesota, passed away peacefully in Tampa, Florida. Curious and always ready for the next project, Chuck lived a full life devoted to family, work, community, and many interests.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years, Alayne Berkins; his children, Lisa Berkins Novorska (Curt) and Mark Berkins (Meredith); his granddaughter, Lauren Novorska; and his sister, Alice Brockgreitens (Ben). He is also lovingly remembered by Madelyn Tarter (Don), Lance Cole (Delores), and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Clinton and Dorothy Berkins.

A graduate of John Marshall Senior High School and the University of Minnesota, Chuck spent 40 years as CEO of Rochester Electro-Medical, Inc., founded by his father. Chuck and Alayne grew the family business for decades before retiring and passing it to their children.

Service to others was deeply important to Chuck. He served on church boards and councils, most recently as treasurer of Lutz Community Church. He also volunteered with Faith in Action, supported Presbyterian Disaster Relief, and served on the AdventHealth Wesley Chapel Foundation Board.

Chuck approached life with humor and enthusiasm. He performed in plays, sang and played guitar, wrote mystery novels, loved games and puzzles, traveled widely, cooked, collected stamps, built model railroad towns, and could fix almost anything. He was an avid Tampa Bay Lightning fan and a lifelong reader and learner.

A memorial service will be held at Lutz Community Church on Saturday, August 22, with visitation at 2:00 p.m., the service at 3:00 p.m., and light refreshments afterward. Donations may be made to Lutz Community Church, the Humane Society of Tampa Bay, or a charity of choice.

Chuck will be remembered for his integrity, humor, generosity, and the wholehearted way he embraced the people and pursuits he loved.