Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
9/27/1944
DIED
9/27/2023
FUNERAL HOME
Stephen Levinson Obituary
After a scientific and managerial career in research at Bell Laboratories where Steve helped pioneer the development of automatic speech recognition, Steve joined the electrical and computer engineering (ECE) department at the University of Illinois in 1997. His focus later at Bell and for 22 years at ECE was on embodied language learning by means of anthropomorphic robots. In 2009, he was awarded an iCub by a European consortium, the first research team in the U.S. to be selected.
After retirement in 2019, Steve battled progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) and frontal temporal dementia.
There are no plans for a funeral or memorial. Donations in Steve's name may be made to any of the following organizations: Mystic Seaport, CurePSP, Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, and the ECE Department.
Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center of Champaign-Urbana, 710 N. Neil Street, Champaign, IL is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Stephen Levinson
Sponsored by Sunset Funeral Home & Cremation Center - Champaign.
2 Entries
Kathleen Griffin Brennan
October 1, 2023
Dee , I´m very sorry for your huge loss. Steve was a very admirable and inspirational guy. Not many men are handsome funny and smart. You will be in my prayers.
How you can show support
Notify Me
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Jan Jacobsen
October 1, 2023
Dee et al....I would have rather sent a sympathy card, but could not locate your address, and wanted to contact you somehow...Liz was kind enough to forward the very well-written obit. I was very sorry to learn of Steve's passing-I know the past couple of years have been challenging for you both. Steve left behind a true legacy of a life well-lived. He was brilliant and put his intellect out to share with others. I hope you can find peace going forward.
Jan Jacobsen
Showing 1 - 2 of 2 results
Make a Donation
in Stephen Levinson's name
Memorial Events
for Stephen Levinson
Funeral services provided by:
Sunset Funeral Home & Cremation Center - Champaign710 N Neil St, Champaign, IL 61820
How to support Stephen's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Stephen Levinson's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
