WILMINGTON — Beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend, passed away peacefully at Liberty Commons Rehab on March 7, 2025 at the age of 78.
He was born May 28, 1946 in New York City, NY to Benjamin and Lillian Levitt (Bernard). From a young age during his education at Poly Prep Day school (Class of 1964) in Brooklyn, NY Dr. Levitt knew he would make a career out of math and science, despite his family’s storied history in real estate and law. His father was a judge and lawyer for over 60 years. His great uncle was the founder of Levitt and Sons, creator of American suburbia and its post World War II pre-fabricated housing developments in New York and Pennsylvania.
Dr. Levitt went on to further his education attending Princeton University where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Engineering in 1968. He then chose to attend Duke University Medical School graduating with his Doctor of Medicine in 1972. He completed his post graduate training at Duke Medical Hospital and the University of Chicago in Anatomical and Laboratory Medicine in Pathology.
In 1983 while at Methodist Hospital in Memphis he met his wife Cindy and her two daughters. They became a family when they moved to Kansas City, Kansas in 1985. Shortly there after moving to Chicago while he fi nished his Post Graduate training. Then it was on to Andrew’s Air Force Base in Maryland until he retired from the Air Force. His next adventure would take him to Florida for a career in teaching medical students. He truly loved teaching the next generation of care givers.
Dr. Levitt spent eight years with the US Public Health Services, conducting research in Pancreatic Carcinogenesis at NIH. Later on he held executive positions with several hospitals before being recruited to the United States Air Force (USAF). He was stationed at Andrew’s Air Force Base from1989-2003 where he served as chair of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine also serving as Deputy Director of Hospital Services and held a teaching appointment at Uniform Services University of Health Sciences.
After retirement from the USAF he held several teaching positions. Professor Florida State University Medical School 2003-2007. Tenured Professor, Florida Atlantic University Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, chair IMS Department 2010-2013, Interim Senior Associate Dean Faculty Affairs 2013-2014.
Dr. Levitt was an active member of the College of American Pathologist later being elected to the Board of Governors. While residing in Florida he was a member of Florida Society of Pathologists serving on the board and becoming President.
Retiring a third time Dr. Levitt and his wife Cindy moved to Wilmington, NC where he joined the Cape Fear Men’s Club. He loved the camaraderie and activities and looked forward to the weekly get togethers. He soon was volunteering helping with the website and later on was elected to the board.
Dr. Levitt’s journey on this earth was one marked by love, compassion and friendship. His passing has left a void in the hearts of his family, friends, and his faithful companion Flash and many more friends and colleagues whose lives were touched by him. We ask that to remember him not for the way his life ended, but for the way it was lived and for the profound impact it had on those who had the pleasure of knowing him.
Dr. Levitt is survived and missed by his wife Cindy Levitt of 39 years. His daughters and son-laws Nicole (James) Gordon, Tamara (Matt) Husman, Lisa (Larry) Siegel. For ever cherished and remembered as “PopPop” by his 4 grand children Logan, Kai, and Callie Husman and Maddy Siegel.
Service to be head on Monday, March 10th at 11:00am at B’Nai Israel Synagogue located at 2601 Chestnut St. Wilmington, NC. Burial to follow at B’Nai Israel Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers please make donations to B’Nai Isreal Congregation (2601 Chestnut Street Wilmington, NC 28405) or Liberty Home Care and Hospice (420 Eastwood Road Wilmington, NC 28403).
