Melvin Berkovitz

BERKOVITZ: Melvin Berkovitz. Beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather on April 30, 2026, in Delray Florida, where he recently relocated. Mel was a month shy of his 97th birthday. Born in Pittsburgh on May 29, 1929, to Sadie (née Lookman) Berkovitz and Samuel Berkovitz, both immigrants from Russia and Hungary respectively. Mel was predeceased by his parents and siblings, Morris, Ben, Albert and William Berkovitz, Gertrude Berkovitz Hollander, Blanche Berkovitz Hoffman and Edith Berkovitz. Survivors include the love of his life, Carolyn Girson, to whom he was married two days shy of 73 years. Mel and Carolyn were married May 3, 1953, at the Margaretta Street Shul. He was the dearly loved father of Sam (Deborah) Berkovitz, Sandra Tepper and Cynthia (James) Goldstein. He was the proudest grandfather of Shaina (John) Anderson, Molly (Nick) Blicha, Eli Berkovitz, Noah Berkovitz, Lindsey (Steven) Shafer, Jordana Goldstein and Max Goldstein. Precious great-grandfather to Angelo Berkovitz, Norah Berkovitz, Quinn Anderson, and many grand-dogs. Mel served as a corporal in the U.S. Marine Corps, then went to business school. He worked at Gordon’s Furniture for several years until he decided to branch out on his own to open an art and frame gallery, which he started in 1972, in the basement of his Shady Avenue home. His idea of providing artwork to complement the furniture in people’s homes was ignited while at Gordon’s, but then Mel took a leap of faith that became Concept Art Gallery; first on Forbes Avenue in Squirrel Hill, then relocating to the current Regent Square Gallery. Mel was owner and CEO of Concept until his retirement. Mel loved the Squirrel Hill JCC, where he swam regularly for several years, and started an informal Friday lunch group with his swimming friends. When he couldn’t swim, he exercised in the gym with weights up until October, when he moved. He was disciplined in his exercise, diet and lifestyle, and we are all certain that it led to this incredibly long and active life. Friends will be received at Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc., 5509 Centre Avenue, Shadyside, on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, from 12 noon to 1 p.m. Interment private. The family suggests donations in Mel’s memory be made to the Jewish Community Center of Greater Pittsburgh with the designation of either AgeWell at the JCC or JCC Aquatics. schugar.com PJC