In Memoriam

Charles Clinton “Chuck” Berkins devoted more than four decades of his professional life to the neurodiagnostic industry as CEO of Rochester Electro-Medical, Inc., the family business founded by his father, Clinton Berkins. Working alongside his wife, Alayne, and later his children, Lisa and Mark, as well as his daughter-in-law Meredith, Chuck helped grow Rochester from a small family operation into a respected manufacturer and supplier of neurodiagnostic and neuromonitoring products used by hospitals, clinics, and technologists across the country.

Chuck was never simply an executive. He was endlessly curious, mechanically inclined, and willing to tackle almost any problem himself. He loved and deeply respected the work of neurodiagnostic technologists, and one of his greatest joys was talking with clinicians, understanding the challenges they faced, and finding creative ways to help solve them. Over the years, he designed and built devices, developed manufacturing processes, helped build the company’s quality systems, worked directly with customers, and took on virtually every aspect of running the business. That hands-on approach, combined with a commitment to quality and personal customer service, helped define Rochester throughout the decades he led it.

Chuck also believed strongly in giving back to the field that had been such an important part of his life. During the Berkins family’s ownership, Rochester supported the ASET Foundation as a member of its Brain Trust and sponsored professional development opportunities for neurodiagnostic technologists. Rochester’s long history is still represented today with electrodes and devices used in the field, and in ASET’s Virtual Museum, which preserves examples of the company’s earlier neurodiagnostic equipment.

Outside of his professional life, Chuck was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, church member, volunteer, lifelong learner, and an enthusiast for more hobbies and interests than could easily be counted. He approached his work much as he approached life: with curiosity, perseverance, generosity, and an eagerness to solve the next problem.

Chuck passed away on August 4, 2026, at age 78. His family is proud that such a significant part of his life’s work was spent serving the neurodiagnostic community and the people whose work Rochester Electro-Medical helped support.

– Mark Berkins