Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Add a Memory
Make a Donation
FUNERAL HOME
Harold Levine Obituary
Harold Levine, the son of a traveling salesman, who founded the highly creative advertising agency, Levine, Huntley, Schmidt, & Beaver died peacefully at his home in Westport, CT on February 9, 2017. He was 95. The ad agency which Mr Levine founded in 1970 in association with his colleague Bob Schmidt and newsman Chet Huntley, was not only a creative force in the industry, but also was on the forefront of providing career opportunities for women and minorities. In 1996, Levine received a diversity achievement award from the American Advertising Federation.
In addition to his long career in advertising, Levine was a life-long champion for education and the arts. He served as chair of the Board of Education in Freeport, New York in the late 1960s and early 1970s during an era of racial and political unrest. He later went on to serve as chair of the board of the Alvin Ailey Dance Theater Foundation, in New York. After his move to Westport, CT and subsequent retirement from Levine Huntley, he committed himself to providing educational and arts opportunities to the children of Bridgeport, CT. As chair of the board of Neighborhood Studios, he helped orchestrate the transition of a small arts program to a large, thriving organization that provides a broad array of music, fine art, and dance education to the children of Bridgeport. He was committed to seeking financial and other support from wealthier communities for the benefit of the children of Bridgeport.
He is survived by his two children, Rita Levine and Jay Levine, both of Long Island; plus four grandchildren: Beth and Sarah Krieger of Denver, Stephanie Levine of Brooklyn, and Hillary Levine of Long Island and a great grandson, Henry. Mr. Levine was predeceased by his beloved wife, Sue Levine, his parents Jack and Lillian Levine, and his brother Josh Levine. A funeral service will take place at Temple Israel, Westport on Monday, February 13, 2017 at 10:30 AM. Memorial contributions may be made to Neighborhood Studios, 391 E. Washington Ave., Bridgeport, CT 06608 (203-366-3300).
Memories and Condolences
for Harold Levine
4 Entries
Fran Rabinowitz
February 6, 2023
I continue to miss Harold and think of him often. He cared so deeply about the children of Bridgeport. His impact is long lasting. He shared such an amazing love of the arts...
fran rabinowitz
February 5, 2022
Harold was an amazing man and cared about our Bridgeport students so much. He wanted them to experience and excel in the arts and he did everything possible to make that happen.
I also loved his jean jacket. Just a wonderful human being...I was honored to know him.
February 13, 2017
Harold was an amazing champion for the children of Bridgeport Public Schools. I met Harold when I was Interim Superintendent in Bridgeport. I visited Neighbothood Studios with him and saw Bridgeport children of all ages immersed in the arts.
Harold provided them with opportunities to sing, dance, draw, paint , learn to play instruments and theater .
I am so grateful to Harold for all that he gave to Bridgeport. He is truly a man who lived his life well.
With great appreciation,
Fran Rabinowitz
Former Bridgeport Interim Superintendent
Ina Chadwick
February 13, 2017
Along with being a personal friend of Harold's, two of the best memories I have of him involve his extreme gift of storytelling. One story he told onstage at FTC for my storytelling program; it was an ironic tale of how he ate shellfish for the first time aboard a flight when he flew First Class for a job, first time. His family was Kosher and when he was a served shrimp by a airline hostess he didn't know what it was? As made the decision to eat the shrimp, looked outside of the window to see the clouds and vast blue sky. (Paraphrase) "If god doesn't approve, the plane will go down." It didn't. He was still a good Jewish boy. The second tale was told to me when I interviewed an award winning African American Ad Agency owner whose accounts were Burger King, as well as so many other major names in Food, Drugs, and philanthropy. This was for Ad Age's supplement on pioneers in diversity. As the interviewee told me his story of how he got where he got, he kept referencing being guided by a legendary ad man, "Jewish," said. Yep, you got it! That man was Harold Levine in the 1960s and of course forever for anyone who knew of his inclusionary generosity. He was a force, and now a legend.
Showing 1 - 4 of 4 results
Make a Donation
in Harold Levine's name
Memorial Events
for Harold Levine
How to support Harold's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
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 moreResources to help you cope with loss
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 more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Harold Levine'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