NY Nightlife Legend Marc Berkley Dies

Marc Berkley, a pioneering impresario in the New York gay nightlife scene and cofounder of HX magazine, was found dead Saturday morning on Fire Island from an apparent heart attack. He was 56 years old.

According to GaySocialities.com, friends found Berkley dead on the island, a popular gay resort were he went to visit a friend. He had complained of chest pains before going to sleep Friday night.

Gay Socialites remembers a few of Berkley's many contributions to the nightlife, publishing, and charity scenes:

"While working in New York nightlife, Berkley made a lasting impression. He created the infamous 'Fag Tag' card granting VIP treatment at various nightclubs and worked with names like Peter Gatien and John Blair to keep New York's nightlife at the top of its game. He also co-founded the former fag rag, HX Magazine, with Matthew Bank. Berkley is also known for donating massive amounts of money to various gay charities."

In the hours after his death was announced, Berkley's Facebook page became the sight of many goodbyes and fond memories from friends.