The Story of a Life Well-Lived

Samuel Levinson, civic and community volunteer

BY MIRLIDY FERNANDEZ

Local friends and family of Samuel Levinson, a long time civic and community volunteer, today will remember the man they affectionately called "Good Sam." Levinson died June 8 at Baptist Hospital from complications of heart failure. He was 94.

One of the friends who will speak about Levinson’s life is U.S. Rep. Illeana Ros-Lehtinen, who knew him for almost 20 years.

“When I first ran for state representative in 1981, my father and I were knocking door to door, and we happened to knock on Sam's door," she said. "He was so wonderful. He invited us in for coffee and Danish, and from then on he became my goodwill ambassador in the South Dade area. He became a big part of my political career."

Levinson became the "greeter" at Ros-Lehtinen's campaign headquarters, organizing volunteers in the area. Born in the Ukraine, Levinson came to the United States with his parents at age 5. He moved to Miami in 1973 after his wife, Frances, died. He did surveying work for Sanders and Thomas Engineers, based in Pottstown, Pa. He worked in the firm's Miami office after he moved. Levinson was buried next to his wife in Philadelphia, shortly after he died last month.

Throughout his life, he acknowledged that the United States had given him a great deal of opportunity, and he felt indebted, his son Edward said. That's why he was committed to community service.

"He was always so grateful to the U.S. because he had freedom," his son said. "He had a heart of gold and used it to help people - even total strangers. He even saved a man’s life once during a game of dominos."

Another player had a heart attack. Levinson, who was trained and certified in CPR by the Red Cross, applied the technique and revived the man. "The man was sent to the hospital and had bypass surgery," Edward said. "He went on to live for another seven years."

After retiring from an engineering company in the mid-70s, Levinson wanted to remain active. Years later, he began tutoring students in mathematics at Rubén Dario Middle School and then as a volunteer with the West Dade YMCA three times a week. In June 22, 1990, Ros-Lehtinen praised Levinson's civic work and commitment by introducing him into the Congressional Record. The entry read: “Sam Levinson is the perfect role model for all senior citizens.”

In addition to his son, Levinson is survived by a brother, Nathan; a daughter-in-law, Xiomara; four grandchildren; and two step-grandchildren.

Revision: Sam's dear wife Frances passed away in 1973.
There are now seven Grandchildren, and Edward.

Sam's Yahrzeit 6th of Sivan.

Frances: Yahrzeit 22nd of Adar.