Melvyn Berlinsky

Melvyn Berlinsky, 84, of Charleston, South Carolina, died November 4, 2011, at the Medical University of South Carolina.

Surviving are his loving wife, Joan R. Berlinsky, his children, Bruce, Fred and Shelli, and Lee and Claire; grandchildren, Harris, Drew, Tyler, Alex, Ryan and Niki. Melvyn was born December 9, 1926, the son of Hyman and Tillie Berlinsky.

Melvyn served in the US Army in World War II and completed his education at The Citadel following the end of the war. He owned and operated Berlinsky's Mens Wear/New York Tailors with his father until his retirement in 1984. After that, Melvyn served and dedicated his life to the Medical University of South Carolina as a member of the Board of Trustees from 1971 until his death, a span of 40 years. While a member of the Board, Melvyn was instrumental in the University's growth from a small institution on Ashley Avenue to its current status as a world class provider and leader in healthcare services. Melvyn also served in the local Board 10 Selective Service Commission having been appointed by President Kennedy and reappointed by President Nixon. He also served as Chairman of the Region 9 Law Enforcement Task Force and on the US Department of Justice Servicemen in Planning for the Criminal Justice System.

Throughout his life, Melvyn was a member of various community groups including Elks, Masons, Shriners, Lions, Association of Citadel Men, St. Francis Development Foundation and Hebrew Benevolent Society. Melvyn was an avid tennis player and one of the founding members of Creekside Tennis Club.

Funeral services will be held graveside at Emanu-El Cemetery (Maryville), Sycamore Ave., Charleston, South Carolina on Sunday November 6, 2011 at 1:00 pm. The family will receive visitors afterwards and until Tuesday at the family home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Medical University of South Carolina Foundation - Melvyn Berlinsky Fund, 18 Bee Street, Charleston, SC 29425.

Arrangements by J. HENRY STUHR, INC., DOWNTOWN CHAPEL.