Edward Levine, 93, of Kingston, died Thursday, January 14, 2016 peacefully at his home. Born in Amenia, NY, he was the son of the late Louis and Ida Shevel Levine. Ed graduated in 1940 from Poughkeepsie High School and served in the Army Air Force from 1942 to 1944. A resident of Kingston for 55 years, Ed served as president of the Kingston Lions Club, and the boards of Ulster Literacy Association, Temple Emanuel Brotherhood, and Gateway Industries. He also served on the boards of Jaycee Little League and the Ulster County Girl Scout Council. In addition, Ed was the chairman of Kingston’s Bicentennial Commission in 1976 which earned him the nickname “Bicentennial Ed” among his family and close friends. Ed served the city of Kingston professionally, as well, holding positions in Community Development and serving as the Kingston City Assessor until his retirement in 1992. Ed continued his work in real estate and volunteered well into his 80s.As a lifelong NY Yankee and Giants fan, Ed always enjoyed watching and attending games and would readily engage in conversation about his favorite teams. He loved to read and embraced technology, frequently communicating with his children and grandchildren using Skype, email, and cell phone texts. In May 2015, at the age of 93, Ed was called to the Torah as a bar mitzvah. He was surrounded by his extended family and close friends and was an inspiration to many. His infectious smile, unmatched optimism, sharp wit, warmth, and sense of humor will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Ed is survived by his wife of 64 years, Elaine Greenberg, whom he married on July 15, 1951; four children: Deborah Lawrence and her husband Glen of Gaithersburg, MD; David Ben Levine and his wife Karen Alfino of Lafayette, CO; Amee Peterson and her husband Warren of Kingston; Abby Reip and her husband Dennis of Boxborough, MA; and nine grandchildren: Mary and Eric Lawrence; Nathan and Hannah Levine; Sarah and Scott Peterson; Alison, Brian and Suzanne Reip. Many nieces and nephews as well as his long-time and loyal friend, Bill Hayman, also survive. In addition to his parents, Ed was predeceased by his siblings Alexander Levine, Sylvia Levine, Ethel Raisch, NormanLevine, Mildred Davis and his nephew Alan Levine. The family wishes to thank the dedicated staff at Kingston Hospital (3 Broadway) and Golden Hill Rehab, as well as his caregivers, Linda Riva and Collins Osei. A funeral service will be conducted on Sunday, January 17, 2016 at 10:00 AM, at Congregation Emanuel at 243 Albany Avenue in Kingston with Rabbi Yael Romer officiating. Interment will follow in Montrepose Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a contribution to Ulster Literacy Association (480 Aaron Court, Kingston); Kingston Lions Foundation (UPO Box 3433, Kingston, NY 12402), or Congregation Emanuel in Kingston. Simpson-Gaus Funeral Home, 411 Albany Ave. is honored to assist the family with the arrangements.
