Louis Gregory "Greg" Berkes

Louis Gregory, “Greg” Berkes, 64, of Osprey, FL passed away on March 23, 2023, awaiting a heart transplant at Tampa General Hospital, Tampa, Florida. He was surrounded by his beloved family and friends. A true Florida native, Greg was born in Winter Haven, FL to the late William Louis and Helen (Takacs) Berkes. He grew up in Tampa, graduating from Jesuit High School (‘76) and the University of South Florida (‘80). In 1985, he married the love of his life, Amy (Cooper) Berkes. Together they owned and operated several successful restaurants in Florida and Georgia along with other business ventures. Coach Greg also coached softball and baseball for many years and was a mentor to many, both on and off the field. Greg will always be remembered for his authenticity, a humble and giving heart, his love for God, being a faithful family man and lifelong friend, his passion for the game of golf and the Florida Gators, the beach, a zest for cooking, doting on his beloved grand-dog Bogey, and listening to Tom Petty music. Greg will also be remembered for his fight for his life; he battled as only a warrior could. (He always talked about wanting to live to see his grandchildren grow and coach them.) Greg’s motto was “Always Do the Right Thing” and he lived his life doing that until the very end; a true hero, Greg’s honor and legacy live on with his final gift of organ donation. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 38 years, Amy; daughter, Elizabeth Berkes; son, Gregory (Jordan) Berkes of Hilton Head Island, SC; and the absolute light of his life, granddaughter, Emma Kathleen. Survivors also include his beloved sister, Teri Berkes- Brundrett (Scott) of Osprey, FL; brother, Bill Berkes of Hilton Head Island, SC; and special aunts (Vulli, Marie and Betty), cousins, nieces and nephews and in-laws. The family would like to thank John and Kim Fernandez and family for their unwavering love and support every single day. We would also like to thank the outstanding nurses, doctors and staff of the Tampa General CTICU unit and Transplant Center for their devoted care and support of “Team Greg”. A funeral mass to celebrate the life of Greg will be held Friday April 28th at 10:30am Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church, 425 S Tamiami Trail, Osprey, FL 34229. Rev. Anthony Armstrong, officiant. A luncheon will follow in the Fr. Fred Tillotson Hall, located next to the church. The family asks those attending to wear colorful attire in Greg’s memory. “I have fought the good fight to the end; I have run the race to the finish; I have kept the faith; all there is to come for me now is the crown of uprightness which the Lord, the upright judge, will give to me on that Day; and not only to me but to all those who have longed for his appearing.” More than 100,000 people are waiting for a lifesaving transplant. Help end their wait by making a tax-deductible contribution to Donate Life America and/or sign up to be an organ donor. http://Donatelife.net

Tributes

Louis Gregory "Greg" Berkes

March 23, 2023