Sidney Leviss

LEVISS--Sidney, 90, former Queens Borough President, former Justice of the Supreme Court, and WWII Hero, dies. He served with distinction as the President of the Borough of Queens from 1969 to 1971, died on Friday, September 7, 2007. He was 90 years old. Judge Leviss was a strong voice for the County, always fighting City Hall for more money, services and programs. His contributions to Queens County and its citizens were broad and significant. Judge Leviss was born on July 21, 1917 in Flushing. He studied at New York University, graduated New York University's School of Law in June 1941 and was admitted to the New York State Bar in January 1942. The day after his admission to the Bar, Judge Leviss enlisted in the Army Air Corps to fight in World War II. He rose from Corporal to Captain, and received numerous citations, including the World War II Victory Medal. After his separation from the Service, Judge Leviss was appointed to the position of Assistant District Attorney by District Attorney T. Vincent Quinn. He later became an Assistant Commissioner in Queens Borough Works, and subsequently was appointed Queens Deputy Borough President by the then Borough President, Mario Cariello. He served in that position until he was elected and took office as Borough President in January 1969. He left the Borough Presidency in 1971 and took office as a Justice of the Supreme Court of New York State. Judge Leviss served in that capacity for more than 20 years, where he gained a superb reputation and was admired by both members of the Bench and Bar. When he retired at the age of 76, Judge Leviss was appointed a Judicial Hearing Officer in the State Supreme Court, serving in that capacity until his death. Judge Leviss' wife Marion, predeceased him in 2006. He is survived by his beloved daughters Jeanne and Nancy.