Arthur Berk
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Arthur Berk

  • January 7, 2012
  • Orlando, Florida
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Memories & Candles

“Bonnie, Thinking of you and looking forward to seeing you soon with your MPI Family. Alyson McCoy ”
1 of 10 | Posted by: Alyson McCoy

“May God comfort you among the other mourners of Zion and Jerusalem. Raising a glass real soon in Art's honor!!! With love, The Jacques Family ...Read More » ”
2 of 10 | Posted by: Rebecca Jacques - Windermere, FL

“Bonnie, Our hearts go out to you in your time of sorrow. Hope to see you soon. Joe ”
3 of 10 | Posted by: Joe Doyle - Boca Raton, FL

“I am a friend of Art's daughter Julie. I never had the pleasure of meeting Julie's father. My deepest sympathy to his family and friends. ”
4 of 10 | Posted by: LORIE LAROSA - Orlando, FL

“A human life is a story told by God. ~Hans Christian Andersen Art's warmth and passion for family and friends will be missed but never forgotten. ...Read More » ”
5 of 10 | Posted by: Paul Perrino - Clermont, FL

“Bonnie- We will keep you in our prayers. Scott Stella ”
6 of 10 | Posted by: Scott Stella - Orlando

“Art was truly a wonderful man. I always enjoyed our talks about wine and spending time with him at MPI board retreats and functions. He will be...Read More » ”
7 of 10 | Posted by: Rodney Gutierrez

“Bonnie, My thoughts are with you and your family. May Arthur memory be a blessing. Warm regards, Judy ”
8 of 10 | Posted by: Judy Goldman - Hallandale, FL

“What a terrific picture of Art. That is what I'll always remember about him. That and "Let the Good Times Roll". He was a lover of life and taught us...Read More » ”
9 of 10 | Posted by: Steve Neilson - sanford, FL

“Hi Bonnie ~ My heart goes out to you and your family. I know you will all miss Art terribly. He was a great guy; the photo says it all!! ...Read More » ”
10 of 10 | Posted by: Karen Peterson - Orlando, FL


Arthur Bernard Berk, 76, of Orlando, Florida, died Saturday, January 7 after a courageous battle with cancer. Born in Patterson, NJ, he was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend. He was the son of Samuel Berk and Anna Wenz Berk. Art graduated from the University of Florida after attending the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. Following college, Art served in the Coast Guard, both on active duty and in the reserves, achieving the rank of Lt. Commander. Most of his professional life was spent in the insurance business with a 50-plus-year career with Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company. During his career, he served as President of the Life Underwriter's Association, the Planned Giving Council and the Estate Planning Council. He received his Chartered Life Underwriter and Chartered Financial Consultants designations from the American College in Bryn Mar, PA. He was also an adjunct professor of Economics at the Crummer Graduate School at Rollins College. Art was very involved in the tennis community, as a player, official, referee and tournament promoter. He officiated at prestigious tournaments including the U.S. Open and promoted numerous local tournaments. His straw hats, big voice and large laugh were known by amateur and professional tennis players across the country. Art was involved in many civic, charitable and philanthropic organizations over the years and was known for his big heart and charitable giving. Some of these organizations include Junior Achievement, Urban League, Sertoma, The City of Orlando's Human Relations Board as an appointee of Mayor Carl Langford, Quest, Inc., La Amistad, Orlando Health Foundation, Hospice of the Comforter, Orlando Museum of Art and Desire Street Ministries. Working with the city of Eatonville, he spearheaded the effort to install 2 lighted tennis courts at the recreation center. Art's passions were jazz, sports, traveling, and wine collecting. He was a longtime member of the Alliance of Sommeliers and was also known for supporting local musicians. He is survived by his wife, Bonnie Brownell; his children Bob Berk and Julie Berk Huettig; his stepdaughters Renee Conte Kopkowski and Karen Sawyer; his four grandchildren Nicole Sawyer, Toni Sawyer, Emma Kopkowski and Sam Kopkowski; his sister Reva Isaacs and his many nieces, nephews and cousins. He is preceded in death by his son, Sam Berk. Services to be held on Monday, January 9, in the Chapel at Baldwin-Fairchild, 301 NE Ivanhoe Blvd, at 3 p.m. Following the service, there will be a Shiva at the Berk residence in Orlando beginning at 5:30. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations are made in memory of Art Berk to Quest, Inc. or Orlando Health Foundation.