Lewis Joseph Levin

Lewis Joseph Levin, 88, of New Cumberland, Fairview Twp., passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 4, 2024 at Messiah Lifeways, Mechanicsburg.  Lew was born on January 3, 1936, in York, PA, to the late Raymond and Flora (Cohen) Levin. He was also preceded in death by his wife of 59 years, Peggy Rae (Forman) Levin.

Lew graduated from William Penn Senior High School, York, PA, at the age of 16. He then graduated with an Economics degree from Washington & Jefferson College, Washington, PA.  He obtained a Juris Doctorate from the Dickinson School of Law, Carlisle, PA.  Lew began his legal career with a short preceptorship and then spent several years with the PA Department of Revenue before being hired as General Counsel at Capital Blue Cross, Harrisburg, PA.  For several decades, he rose through the executive ranks eventually retiring in 1986 from his position as Executive Vice President.  Lew did not retire for long and returned  to work for the Commonwealth with the PA Dept. of Revenue where he was the Director of the Bureau of Individual Taxes.  Thereafter he worked for almost another decade with the PA Securities Commission as the Director of Litigation & Enforcement. He retired for the last time in 2012.

In addition to being a skilled lawyer and business executive, most importantly, Lew exemplified the essence of fatherhood and the role of a husband.  He never sought the spotlight and got all of his joy and satisfaction out of lifting up others and witnessing their achievements and happiness.  He was always present to support and encourage his three children in all their endeavors and never missed a school-related event, little league baseball game, swim meet or basketball game.  He became a certified PIAA Swimming Official & Starter ensuring even more time spent in humid natatoriums.  Lew also attended a weekend class in Virginia with his son where they both attained the title of “Certified Memphis in May World Championship BBQ Judge” and went on to judge a number of competitions including the legendary National Capital BBQ Battle in Washington, D.C.

With the exception of cooking, Lew’s primary hobby was providing logistical and moral support for the hobbies and activities of his family.  He was tireless in his devotion to his children’s pursuits in life and everyone came to know that he was the “man behind the curtain”.  When it came to cooking, he performed at a high level, often preparing dishes that were Michelin Chef-like in both taste and presentation.  Two of his many specialties were Baby Back BBQ Ribs and Caesar Salads prepared from scratch, tableside.  Memphis & Kansas City BBQ had nothing on his ribs and many people still say that his Caesar Salads were the best ever.  

In 1995, Lew, along with his wife, co-founded Personalized Greyhounds, Inc., a 501(c)(3) public charity, which placed over 2,000 ex-racing Greyhounds into the homes of loving adopters.  Once again, he took on a support role of Treasurer and Corporate Secretary and ensured that the business was operated efficiently, with strong leadership, clear vision, effective communication, precise financial management and a solid network of dedicated volunteers.  In his mind, no business was too small to still be run like a Fortune 500 company.

Lew loved to take his family on summer vacations at the Jersey Shore and always made sure the station wagon was perfectly packed with Tetris-like symmetry and the cooler well-stocked with everyone’s favorite sandwiches (individually wrapped and labeled) and drinks. He never grew tired (or at least he never showed it) of the frequent calls from the tailgate “Are we there yet?”

As his family tree continued to grow, Lew became known as “Poppy” to his adoring grandchildren.  Although the years had slowed him down physically, Poppy was able to watch their sporting events, performances, and graduations virtually.  He often provided encouragement and kind critiques via text which will now be treasured mementos of his support. 

Lew was humble, kind, brilliant, generous, loyal, funny, hardworking, and most significantly, caring & loving to all who came to know him.  He will be missed by many but forgotten by no one.

He is survived by his son, Marc T. (Ann) Levin of York County, PA; daughters, Suzanne L. (Keith) Buchman of The Villages, FL, and Cristen R. (Tony)  Harber of Atlanta, GA; and four grandchildren, Patrick Levin, Shelby Harber,  Liza Levin, and Abby Harber.

Visitation will be held from 1:30 p.m. until memorial services at 3:00 p.m.  Saturday, May 18, 2024 at Parthemore Funeral Home and Cremation Services, New Cumberland, PA.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association (https://www.diabetes.org), P.O. Box 7023, Merrifield, VA 22116-7023.