Obituary of Ira W. Levy

Johnsburg Ira W. Levy, 96, passed away peacefully in his sleep at Eden Park Health Care Center in Glens Falls, on Wednesday, February 14, 2007. He was born November 25, 1910, in Sayville, NY, to the late Tessie (Tennenburg) and Joe Levy. On June 7, 1937, he married Olive Weeks of Bayport, NY. They continued to make their home in Bayport until Ira's retirement in 1971 when they moved to their summer residence on Crane Mt. in the Town of Johnsburg. In 1990 they moved to Coconut Creek in Florida, but moved back north to be closer to family in 2000. Ira was predeceased by his wife of 64 years, Olive, and by his two sisters, Ruth and Norma. When Pearl Harbor was attacked, Ira enlisted and served in the Pacific for the duration of the war. He was a 1st Lieutenant in charge of amphibian landing craft in ten campaigns under General McArthur. He also scouted islands in advance of the landings. He was awarded the Purple Heart. His son, Joel, was born while Ira was fighting in the Philippines. Mr. Levy was a graduate of the University of Michigan Law School and owned his own law practice in Sayville for most of his career. He was Town Attorney of the town of Islip for two years and was proud of writing and implementing the first open housing law at a local level in New York State. Ira was a liberal all his life. He worked hard during the Civil Rights struggle and was a strong voice in opposition to the Vietnam War. He was a loving husband, father and friend. He enjoyed canoeing, hiking and playing the recorder for his friends. Ira is survived by his son, Joel Levy of North Creek; his daughter, Anne Morse and her husband, Rick of The Glen; and his grandchildren Joseph Levy and Carolyn Cadoret and her husband, Nathan of Albany. The family would like to thank the staff at Eden Park for their excellent care in the last year of Ira’s life. A memorial service will be held at a date to be determined. Expressions of sympathy may take the form of donations to Southern Poverty Law Center, attn. Linda Stringer, 400 Washington Ave., Montgomery, Alabama 36104. Visit www.alexanderfuneralhomes.com for online guest book and condolences.