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Gerald Levy Obituary
Fox Point - Jerry passed away on Saturday, June 6, 2020, after a short battle with an aggressive form of kidney cancer. Loving husband of Ellin Levy (nee Saffro). Cherished father of Jill (Steve Aschkenase) Belconis and Doug (Patti) Levy. Adorning grandfather of Alex (Emma), Belconis, Sam (Emily Dineen) Belconis, and Rachel (Jonathan Watrach) Belconis; Michelle (Jim Panella) Levy, Jeffrey (Jessica Kendzor) Levy, and Max Levy. Treasured great-grandfather of Henry Belconis. Devoted brother of Jim (Jane) Levy. Further survived by other relatives and dear friends.
Jerry grew up in Chicago. He received his undergraduate degree from the University of Illinois and a law degree from Northwestern University. While in law school, he was set up on a blind date with his future wife, Ellin. Their loving relationship lasted 65 wonderful years.
Following service in the Air Force, Jerry and Ellin settled in Milwaukee. He joined Guaranty, the savings and loan his wife's grandfather founded. The S&L had one office, 3 employees, a few hundred customers and a mission of assisting immigrants and underserved families in the city of Milwaukee. Under Jerry's leadership, Guaranty grew to serve over 250,000 customers nationwide while continuing its mission of assisting the underserved with their financial needs.
Private graveside services. A virtual memorial service will be held on Friday, June 12, 2020 at 3:00 PM CDT. Please contact [email protected] for more information. Memorials to Milwaukee Art Museum, ACTS Housing, or Diverse & Resilient.
Memories and Condolences
for Gerald Levy
Sponsored by Blane Goodman Funeral Service, LLC - Mequon.
23 Entries
LARRY BORCHERT
February 10, 2021
Ellin, Doug and Jill,
I am so sorry for your loss.
Jerry was a wonderful man and I enjoyed working for such a kind, intelligent man. I acquired an incredible amount of business knowledge from Jerry and the entire Levy family.
Again, I am very sorry for your loss. My time with Guaranty and Shelter had a very positive influence on my life and career.
Jerry was a fantastic man.
Sue (Barbian) Moore
July 27, 2020
I just learned of Jerry’s passing today but my late condolences are just as heartfelt. I had the pleasure of working at Guaranty Bank for over 27 years and as all of the others have said, Jerry always had a ready smile, hello or nod even if he was in mid-conversation with someone and walking by. Guaranty Bank felt like family, thanks to the atmosphere the Levy family gave the bank. One of my most memorable moments of Jerry, were the anniversary breakfasts they had on your 5th, 10th etc anniversaries of starting at the bank. Everyone got to speak, and Jerry and Doug were genuinely interested in what you had to say. The banking industry lost a great leader in Jerry. My condolences to the whole Levy family and may your wonderful memories of Jerry give you solace at this difficult time.
Danny App
June 16, 2020
I learned a lot about Jerrys dedication to the community, employees and his family while I worked for the bank. Truly paradigm shifting and enlightening experience.
My condolences and prayers to the Levy Family.
Rick Warner
June 15, 2020
Dear Levy Family,
So sorry to hear about Jerry's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Jerry was a pleasure to work for through the years. He will be missed.
Hema Gopalratnam
June 13, 2020
My condolences to the entire Levy family. I had the privilege to work with the Bank for 30 years . Jerry was a great leader and a kind person . He will be greatly missed . May his soul Rest In Peace .
LaSonia Virgil
June 12, 2020
Mr. Levy was a great leader. I was very fortunate to work at Guaranty Bank over 25 years. He was very easy to talk to and told the greatest stories. He will truly be missed. My prayers and condolences to the family.
Randy VandenHouten
June 12, 2020
My condolences to the entire Levy family. I had the privilege to work with Jerry for 14 years. Jerry had a great mind for business, but more importantly he cared deeply about everyone that worked for him. I also know that family was the single most important thing to Jerry. He was very proud and loved his family deeply.
Phil and Pamm Steffen
June 12, 2020
The world was a better place with Jerry in it, we will miss him. He was a true leader in good and bad times. The adjectives to describe him-innovator, leader, kind, compassionate, intelligent, friendly, inspirational, the list could go on and on. I had the privilege to work for the "Guaranty " family of companies (Guaranty Bank, Guaranty Mortgage, Shelter Mortgage for 38 years and saw first hand his contributions to society. He will truly be missed by family, coworkers and society. Pamm & I wish our sincerest condolences to Ellin, Jill, Doug and families and relatives for your loss.
Ronald Wendt
June 11, 2020
My sincere condolences to the entire Levy Family. Gerry was a great leader and friend to everyone at Guaranty Bank.
Mike speich
June 11, 2020
our sincere condolences and prayers to Ellin Jill Doug and the entire Levy family . My wife and I will be forever thankful to Gerry and family for providing us with the ability to provide our family with a great and financially secure life. Fondly Mike and Dede
Kristin Wendt
June 10, 2020
Jerry will be greatly missed, he was an incredible man who brightened up the room with his presence. He was incredibly intelligent, kind, and considerate. I am honored to have worked for/with him for the time that I did. He touched so many lives in a positive way, his legacy is surely unmatched. My condolences to the Levy family, you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Sandy Viola
June 10, 2020
Jerry will be missed deeply but never forgotten by so many people. He was a great man with a big heart, a wonderful sense of humor, intelligent, compassionate, and would take the time to say hi or stop and have a conversation no matter who you were. Many times, he would call me into his office to either tell me a story or show me a hilarious video on his computer. My love, prayers, and condolences to his entire family.
Janice Edel
June 10, 2020
May your memories bring you peace during this difficult time. I worked at GB for 15 years and Jerry was always the one to greet you with a big smile and a warm hello, even when he was out to lunch at Larry's Market with Doug.
Larry Murphy
June 9, 2020
Dear Levy Family,
So sorry to hear about Jerry's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Joan Brogan
June 9, 2020
A great man, a kind man and a great leader. I have known you since 1982 when I worked for one of our family of companies in California. I am so glad I got the chance to move my family in 1991 to Wisconsin, a big decision but one I have never regretted. Jerry, you built a great company and created a truly great family at the bank, I will miss your sense of humor, compassion and great food choices. I could always count on you to let me know where the food days were in Brown Deer. RIP my friend, you will be missed. Love to Ellin, Doug, Jill and the rest of the Levy family.
Kate Madderom
June 9, 2020
Worked for Jerry for almost 25 years, he was a wonderful, caring leader. He truly cared for all of his employees and customers. He exemplified honor, trust and compassion. He was an amazing man. My thoughts, prayers and condolences to his family.
Jill Nelson
June 9, 2020
Doug, Jill, Ellin and family, I am so sorry to hear about Jerry passing. He was such a wonderful man who touched so many lives. He shared some great stories too. May you find comfort in all the fond memories you have. God Bless you. My deepest sympathy to all.
Patty Johnson
June 9, 2020
Jerry was such a treasure. He was amazing to work for, as were all of the Levys. At first intimidating, but eventually you called him by his first name. He was the type of person that employees respected and even loved. I stayed with the Guaranty Bank family of companies for 28 years. It never ceased to amaze me watching him at work, whether in a meeting in the board room or walking the floors looking for a food day spread. He never forgot a name and always offered a smile or kind word. He will never be forgotten. RIP Jerry.
Bridget Donofrio
June 9, 2020
Jerry was a true leader, and I had the pleasure of working for him for 27 years. Doug, Jill and all the Levys, my deepest sympathy to you all.
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