Tinkertown<\/a> (in Sandia Park, New Mexico),\u201d Joel said. \u201cIt\u2019s this cute, quirky, interesting museum he\u2019d discovered randomly on his way and he\u2019d take people there whenever he could, and convince anyone who was driving across the country to make the stop.\u201d<\/p>\nLevinson was a lifelong member of Temple Israel and an ardent supporter of the State of Israel, his family said. Through in-depth study of the Holocaust, he was inspired to seek a career that would allow him to give voice to victims who could not speak for themselves.<\/p>\n
Levinson studied political science at Brandeis University, received a master\u2019s degree from Hebrew University in Jerusalem, and earned his law degree at the University of Cincinnati.<\/p>\n
His professional endeavors included service as the regional director of the Ohio Civil Rights Commission, a robust career as assistant prosecutor for Montgomery County, and time as head of the Montgomery County Violent Crimes Division, where those he worked with say he was respected for his work ethic, dedication, honesty, and unfaltering commitment to victims.<\/p>\n
Montgomery County Prosecutor Mat Heck grew to know Levinson through the years, both professionally and personally.<\/p>\n
\u201cI remember the day he started in 1973,\u201d Heck said Saturday. \u201cHe\u2019s what I would call a prosecutor\u2019s prosecutor; he really enjoyed the practice of law and he thrived at being a prosecuting attorney.\u201d<\/p>\n
Heck describes Levinson as having a sharp intellect and quick wit, with a work ethic \u201cbeyond belief.\u201d Levinson left a positive impact on anyone with whom he worked, Heck said.<\/p>\n
\u201cVictims and their families loved his commitment to what they were going through and his effort to seek justice,\u201d Heck said. \u201cEven defense lawyers, people who were against him in court, will tell you that they admired him because he was honest. His word was his bond.\u201d<\/p>\n
Judge Barbara P. Gorman, now retired from Montgomery County Common Pleas Court, recalls Levinson in a similar light, describing him as \u201cbrilliant\u201d and someone who quickly became a friend. The two met while Gorman was working as an assistant prosecutor in the civil division.<\/p>\n
Gorman said prior to meeting with Levinson, she was a bit intimidated by him, given his esteemed reputation as a gifted attorney.<\/p>\n
\u201cOnce you meet him, he\u2019s absolutely amazing and the antithesis of intimidating,\u201d Gorman said. \u201cI had an interesting, unusual case and someone suggested I talk to him. I was a little hesitant, but I\u2019m so glad I did because as soon as you walked into his office, he made you feel comfortable.\u201d<\/p>\n
Many of those close with Levinson also describe him as a great mentor.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt wasn\u2019t just case law he could talk and teach you about, he also taught you about life,\u201d Gorman said. \u201cHe was a wonderful man.\u201d<\/p>\n
Montgomery County Common Pleas Court Judge Mary Montgomery said she has benefitted greatly through the years from Levinson\u2019s professional and personal friendship, as well as his unfaltering guidance, though she said Saturday that the word \u201cmentor\u201d doesn\u2019t do him justice.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou would leave his office energized and ready to be the best attorney you possibly could to make him proud of you,\u201d Montgomery said. \u201cHe had a way of talking to you that made you want to be a better person.\u201d<\/p>\n
Montgomery said Levinson was a \u201chuge presence\u201d that will be deeply missed in the lives of all who knew him.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe was the best form of a human being that could ever exist,\u201d she said. \u201cWe were the lucky ones to know him and live in his world.\u201d<\/p>\n
A funeral service will be held at Temple Israel, 130 Riverside Drive at 10 a.m. on Sunday, Jan. 22. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be considered for the Dayton chapter of Hadassah Hospital, P.O. Box 292815, Dayton, Ohio 45429.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n