Charles C. Berkey II

Charles Calvin Berkey II, 84, passed away peacefully on February 27, 2024. 

Charlie was born on September 15, 1939, to Josephine (Galbraith) and Charles Calvin Berkey in Huntingdon, PA. He enjoyed close relationships with his brothers, Jackson (Almeda) Berkey, Robert (Cathy) Berkey, and Samuel (Donna) Berkey. He graduated from Huntingdon Area High School in 1957, and enrolled in the U.S. Army Reserves, Co. C 491st Engineer Battalion, in Huntingdon. Charlie then completed his undergraduate education at Kutztown University and earned his master’s degree in art education at Penn State. 

Charlie is preceded in death by his loving wife, Mary Ann. The couple were married on January 2, 1960 at Holy Trinity Church in Huntingdon, PA and enjoyed 61 years of marriage. Together, they proudly raised five children: Timothy (Holly) Berkey, Christopher (Amy Wenger) Berkey, Jonathan (Michell) Berkey, Andrew (Shannon) Berkey, and Amy Parkes. Charlie adored spending time with his ten grandchildren: Amanda Berkey, Alicia (Sam) Betz, Thomas Berkey, Jonathan Berkey, Tate Calvin Berkey, Luke Parkes, Lane Berkey, Joel Berkey, Madilyn Parkes, and Mary Berkey, as well as his four great-grandchildren, Justin Otto Turner, Isabelle Mae Betz, Calvin Andrew Betz, and Gabriel Freeman Betz. Tate and Calvin are both proud to be named after Charlie.

He was a beloved art teacher at Danville Area High School for 36 years, where he profoundly influenced countless future artists. Students remember Charlie’s classroom as a place where they were able to be themselves, all while learning how to think critically and pursue their artistic careers. Charlie never stopped honing his own artistry and will long be remembered for his pottery, paintings, and photography.

Charlie was known for his honesty, talent, and one-of-a-kind sense of humor. He enjoyed spending time with family, going to the gun range, listening to music, and learning about the Civil War. His fondness for telling stories about his life and bringing out laughter in others will live in the memories of his family, friends, and former students. 

Friends are invited to a visitation to celebrate Charlie’s life with the Berkey family on Wednesday afternoon from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at Roat-Kriner Funeral Home, 1133 Bloom Rd., Danville. A private burial service for the family will follow in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, Danville