Arnold Levine
1924 - 2015
Arnold Levine
1924 - 2015
Obituary
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Arnold Levine Obituary
Jan. 29, 1924 - April 16, 2015
Resident of Santa Cruz
Arnold Levine was surrounded by family when he passed away on April 16 of natural causes at the age of 91. Born to Rose and Charles Levine in Brooklyn, New York he was the eldest of 3 sons. As a young man he worked in his parents dress shop while attending Brooklyn College.
Arnie moved to Santa Cruz in 1947 when his father came out west and purchased a beach side motel - Arnolds Surf Court. Shortly after arriving in California, Arnie completed his Master's Degree at San Jose State University and began teaching at Branciforte Elementary School. In October 1956 he went back to New York for a conference and had a blind date with Estelle Schoenfeld - 4 months later they married and Estelle joined him in Santa Cruz.
Arnie's career spanned 63 years throughout which he touched thousands of lives. In the Santa Cruz City Schools he taught every grade K-8 at Branciforte Elementary and Junior High Schools. He went on to Harbor High School as the Assistant Principal. He retired from Santa Cruz City Schools in 1981 and went on to serve two terms on the Santa Cruz City Council. He managed the Newspapers In Education program with the Santa Cruz Sentinel. Still striving to serve his community, he managed the Santa Cruz County Spelling Bee for more than a decade. He completed his career by serving on the Santa Cruz County Board of Education, where he served as Trustee for 28 years, and formally retired as President of the Board in 2013.
In the 68 years that Arnie lived in Santa Cruz, he was driven to serve his community. He served on the Santa Cruz County Redevelopment Agency working hard to restore the downtown area after the flood of 1955. He was a member of numerous service organization including the JayCees, B.P.O.E. Elks, Lions Club, Mended Hearts. In each of these organizations he held leadership roles including running the Miss California Pageant for the JayCees in the 1950's and serving as Exalted Ruler of the Elks.
Arnie served the Jewish Community tirelessly throughout the decades. Not only did he hold leadership positions with Temple Beth El, during a 10 year period in the 1970's he also served as the lay Rabbi performing weekly worship services, bar mitzvahs and funerals.
Arnie is preceded in death by his parents, Rose and Charles Levine, his brother, Harvey Levine and his son, Mark Levine. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Estelle, his son Mitchell (Kristen) and his daughter Joy (David), his daughter-in-law Deborah, his brother Saul Levine (Joyce), 7 grandchildren Kevin, Daniel, Rebecca, Hannah, Sydney, Lindsay, and Chloe and many nieces and nephews.
Burial services will take place on Monday April 20, 2015 at Home of Peace Cemetery, Meder St., Santa Cruz at 11:00 am. A memorial service will be held at Temple Beth El, 3055 Porter Gulch Rd., Aptos, CA on Monday April 20, beginning at 12 noon with the meal of consolation to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Temple Beth El to the Rose Levine Memorial Campership Fund.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Mitchell Lachman
April 12, 2019
what can be said about a great guy - always giving his best towards all
Russell Cummings
November 24, 2018
I've been out of the country for three years and just heard about Arnie's passing. When I look back at my days in junior high and high school one of the constants was Arnie Levine. Whether as a teacher at Branciforte Jr High or the Vice Principal at Harbor High, he was always there encouraging us, correcting us, keeping us from making stupid mistakes, and most importantly caring about us. I had the pleasure to meet Arnie on a few occasions later in life and he was still the same person, always involved and interested. Thanks Mr. Levine, for taking care of generations of Santa Cruz school kidsI will never forget you.
Russ Cummings
Professor of Aeronautics
US Air Force Academy
October 16, 2018
I just ran across this Obituary and, although, I'm 3 years late, I wanted to share a memory of a 15 year old girl and her family on a memorable visit to Arnold's Surf Court. I'm now 81 but the summer of 1952 spent in Santa Cruz was one that has always stayed with me and through the years I have shared the fun of that summer with others. My mother, father, little sister (10) and older sister, Eileen, had a wonderful time there. Arnold, Harvey and parents were so wonderful to us ... it was like spending the summer with family. They were wonderful people and I've wanted to thank them for their kindness. I'm late doing that but hope to share it with the family. Thank you so much. Eileen died at the age of 59 but we spoke often of that summer.
Best always to all ...
Rosemary (Vargas) Barron
Mitchell Lachman
January 2, 2016
I really appreciated, and loved Arnold. He helper, selfless, humbled, integrity, a robust-- he was one of the best. Thinking of Arnold is one of my high standards to live up to.
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Robin Eells Mason
October 8, 2015
I attended Harbor High School and graduated in 1982. Arnold became Vice Principal before I left. He was friends of my father Dan Eells (who passed on 1.26.2014). Arnie was a great man.
Deborah (Long) Oldfield-Jackson
October 5, 2015
I thought I had written my condolences much earlier than this. I too was one of Arnie's kids. Met him at Harbor High, one of the nicest people I ever had the opportunity to meet, and grow to know. I haven't been to Santa Cruz since 95, graduated from Harbor High. About 4 years or so ago I reached out to him on facebook, we re-connected.
The world just isn't as bright without you Arnie, you are loved and missed. You changed so many lives with a kind word and a smile. Thank you.
Leta VanDenHeuvel
May 1, 2015
He was an outstanding educator who was an excellent example to our county's education community and will be dearly missed.
April 23, 2015
I knew Arnold as a person who truly gave of himself to help others. My God he was the yearly or when needed to give his blood to the Red Cross. when my mother died, the two of us were there to bury her. He was just there.
Kathy Thoma Greytak
April 23, 2015
51 years after having Mr. Levine as student council advisor at Branciforte Jr. High, I still remember him. Why? Because he had high expectations of his students and he truly cared. Thank you, Mr. Levine
Jil Van Alstine
April 22, 2015
Arnie,
you inspired everyone you volunteered with for all those years with the American Cancer Society, and no matter what the day had brought with it ~ you always made me smile.
April 21, 2015
Arnie was an inspiration for his outstanding career in teaching and his devotion to his community and his faith. We were honored to have known him.
Ale-ha Ha-Shalom.
John and Susan Hill, Meridian, Idaho
April 21, 2015
I was in the first class he taught at Branciforte Elem ,my first "man" teacher in the 6th grade. He was SO good. He was fresh out of the army and carried that discipline into the classroom. I polished my saddle shoes every night because Mr Levine expected it. I learned so much from him , academics and life in general . I tried to emulate him in my years in the classroom, but I never threw chalk as effectively.
God speed my mentor.
Barbara Christensen Sorensen
Catherine Lenox
April 21, 2015
In the 8th grade Arnold "Arnie" Levine inspired me to work on the yearbook which set in motion my love of journalism - and eventual career in media and publications. His wonderful influence, spirit, and wit will stay in my life forever - he was the best! My heart goes out to his family during this tough time.
April 21, 2015
Dear Levine Family:
My father, Perry Bryant, just let me know that Mr. Levine had passed. Mr. Levine was my teacher in 7th and 8th grade at Branciforte Junior High (a LONG time ago! :) ). He and I shared the same birth date. We began sharing birthdays then and for many years thereafter - he became my vice principal at Harbor High School and thus it continued. I moved out of the area a few years after college and was able to keep in contact with him from time-to-time when I came home for visits. He was very, very special to me and I will miss him.
God Bless you and I send my prayers to you to be comforted in your loss.
Very truly yours,
Donna (Bryant) Patterson
April 21, 2015
With tears running down my face, I am remembering you with such love and laughter. You were always there for me. As a young school girl, so timid, and shy, you were always so reassuring, and gave me that bit of confidence I needed, just by being there. I am so glad I had the opportunity a couple of years ago to say to you, how wonderful you were to me. I will truly miss you.
To the family, my heart and thoughts are with you at this time of your loss. He is a great man/mentor.
Ellen
Steven Mendoza
April 21, 2015
My sincere condolences to the Levine family. He was a man who made a huge difference in his professional contributions to Santa Cruz I'm sure it is a major loss for his family, friends, and Santa Cruz County. They don't make them like Arnold Levine anymore. He was one of the best of the best, to everyone who knew him.
George Myers
April 20, 2015
I was always late for school. One morning I heard those shoes behind me. Not just shoes but wing tips. A well dressed man gave me the bum's rush. Everyone knew Arnie. A legend. A great teacher, a Prince of a guy. To his family my sympathies. Arnie was one in a million. RIP.
April 20, 2015
Dear Arnie thanks so for the time i had with you. You sponsored me in the Lions Club which let me meet some of the most wonderful people in Santa Cruz. Our club is magnificent and you are a Giant part of it. You taught my daughter at Mission High and she still talks about you. You stood up for your beliefs like no other. Always the guy that nominated a Women to join the club when it wasn't in fashion. You and Estelle and hearing some of your family at Temple are and inspiration. Love to you,Bobby Z but as you called Zuff. Will miss you my friend.
Camilla Henneman
April 20, 2015
Dear Mr. Levine, I am so glad I got to talk to you last year and tell you how you helped me through some very hard times when I was a 13 year old who had lost her way. You didn't give up on me when it felt like everyone else had. A million thanks. I will never forget.
Shirley Ealy-Killam
April 20, 2015
Too much to say and too little time.
It was such a SURPRISE to see you at our 60th Birthday Celebration for Harbor High alumni.You even danced for us ! You were such a mentor for so many young people.From being a student at Branciforte Jr. High and Harbor I say THANK YOU for your Love and Light.
Blessings and condolences to the family and friends.
Lynda Schnereger-McIlwaine
April 20, 2015
Hugs and much love to your family Mr. Levine!!! I was on your student council at B-40 and your Unicef chairman. You also taught both of my brothers. What fond and great memories we all have from having you as a teacher and leader. I honestly have to say that you were the best teacher that I ever had and I know that many others speak that way as well. You taught us so many life lessons that we have carried with us and shared with others. May you rest in peace and as I ponder the stars at night I know one of them is yours looking down upon all of us!!!!!!
Gordon Ouse
April 20, 2015
Dear Estelle and family: Due to my health issues, I am sorry that I am not able to attend the memorial service for Arnie. My first encounter with him was In 1961 during our first pre-school faculty meeting at Branciforte Junior High. Here was a human dynamo personified. So full of energy and optimism. And he continued this way throughout his association with education. Arnie was a strong advocate for student involvement and accepted educational challenges confidently. Susanna and I feel privileged to have known him. His cheerfulness and good heartedness will be greatly missed .
Sam Parham
April 20, 2015
Mr. Levin, I was a real punk in High School. You Helped change me for the better and carve the man I am today. Thanks so much and May God Bless.
Brunella Deeds
April 20, 2015
So blessed to have known Arnie and will miss him. Thought of him just last week! I know he is in heaven giving Mark a great big hug. My thoughts are with you Estelle. I know you have many wonderful memories to sustain you.
April 20, 2015
Mr. Levine, I gave you hell when I was in high school. Back in the 70's I thought I was so cool to make you kick us out of the library at Harbor High. Now that I am sixty-one and I am not that stupid arrogant kid anymore I have come to respect the people who really did mean a lot to me and you were one of them. Arnold, how did you put up with the likes of me? At my ten year class reunion you were there and I was very surprised to see you, in fact I was glad to see you, you walked up to me and said "Mr. Jellison how are you", I was blown away by that. After 10 years you still remembered me, and I bet you had a lot of little brats like me come along. So you made it to 91 Mr. Levine, we should all live a full life like you have done and I didn't know all of those accomplishments that you have done until I read this. I am humbled to have known you Mr. Levine and I am sorry for the stupidness I caused you.
Dan Jellison
La Mesa CA
William Ferguson
April 20, 2015
The good that a teacher like Mr. Levine does is often measured by the students he helps to prepare for the real world. I can personally say that I am glad the he helped me start my journey over 40 years ago. May you rest in peace.
April 20, 2015
We remember Mr Levine so well. Thoughts & prayers are with the family !
The Andersons from over the fence.
Vita Mazzarino. Hall
April 19, 2015
My deepest sympathies to his family. They don't make them like Mr Levine anymore. Great teacher wonderful human being I was blessed he was my teacher. And so happy he and his lovely wife came to our reunion a couple of years ago. May God bless him and his family.
Lois Rossini
April 19, 2015
I had the privilege of working with Arnie at Harbor High School. He had a love for life and showed it with big hugs for everyone. He had a way of making all of us feel special. Rest in peace my dear friend.
April 19, 2015
God bless Mr Levine. If we had more people like you in this world it would be such a nicer place. Thanks for all you taught my friends and I. It is sad to think of the generations that won't have you to look up to.
Willy Kingdom
April 19, 2015
I have loved the Levine family, since I was a little girl. Arnold, always, was a favorite of mine. You will be missed, but I am happy that you had such a beautiful and influential life. ~Mindy Lefton Desher
Ramsey & Phyllis Thornley
April 19, 2015
Estelle. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Phyllis and I had great respect for Arnie and all of his accomplishments. We always will be thankful for the helping hand he gave our son Jeff. With Arnie's assistance, Jeff has enjoyed a wonderful career in Law Enforcement. It only goes to show, as an example, the many young lives that Arnie has touched.
David Glissman
April 19, 2015
He was an extraordinary man who touched the lives of thousands. And he didn't just touch those lives, he made each one better. He guided us, taught us, made us see the best within. Thank you for being amazing. His life was a gift.
From Facebook-Aug 2011
Juliana Cheng
April 18, 2015
My condolence to the Levine family in the lost of a great Educator, disciplinarian, father,grandfather and uncle. May the sun shine on you with a smile...Prayers and thoughts go the family....Last saw him attending a fund raising type of Broadway Show at Twin Lakes Church several years ago and he still kind of remember who I am!
Maggie O'Grady
April 18, 2015
Truly the end of an era.
Maggie O'Grady
April 18, 2015
Arnie was a perfect example of someone from "the greatest generation". His contributions to our community are remarkable.He had such a joyful exuberant approach to life, and his enthusiasm motivated all who knew him. What an incredibly full and meaningful life he lived.This is truly the end of an era. All my sympathies to Estelle and his family.
Allen Fugelseth
April 18, 2015
My sympathies to his family. I was delighted to see him and his wife at Costco last year and was happy to spend a few minutes with him. I was a 9th grade student of his at Branciforte Junior High in 1956. Two periods a day. We talked about my memories of his class and he told me about his career.
Jeff Darling
April 18, 2015
Sending prayers of condolence to Estelle, Mitch and Joy at this difficult time. And remembering Arnie so fondly and the great influence he had on all of us. He was such a wonderful example to all of us of a purpose driven life; love, generosity and spirituality abounding.
Matt Blechar
April 18, 2015
My deepest sympathies to all of Arnie's family and friends. He was a great man.
Kim (Amaya) Eastwood
April 18, 2015
My thoughts, and prayers go out to the whole Levine family. Mr. Levine was a HUGE influence on all of us. He touched everyone he met. And how I once recalled, out in a Christmas tree lot, when I thought I lost my two younger kids. When my husband say's "they are over there with Mr. Levne", who was teaching them how to tell how old a tree is. He gave so much to the kids, and I thank him for it. God Bless, Kim (Amaya) Eastwood, class of 1979
Richard Ameil
April 18, 2015
Outstanding teacher and mentor at Branciforte Junior High. He was the best!
Teachers come and go
But their memories are forever.
The lessons that they teach
Are forgotten never.
Teachers keep changing
Every now and then
But great ones are remembered
Time and again.
Farewell, Mr. Levine.
Rod Quartararo
April 18, 2015
One of the most honest, hardest working persons I have ever known. I will miss you, you have always and will continue to be in my thoughts/ Rod Quartararo
Chris Watson
April 18, 2015
He was always a bright spot in my day.
When I was tired and thought I couldn't work another day, I'd ask Arnie how he always had so much energy. His reply: "I get up every morning and put my pants on one leg at a time." He was a gentleman and friend to all. I was delighted to learn he started the Spelling Bee and co-founded Temple Beth El. If only the world had more Arnies in it!
Diane Bianconi
April 18, 2015
My prayers for Arnie & his family go out wow so many years he served this community and so many peoples lived he touched somehow you always felt safe,cared about & well educated by Arnie I am probably one of his oldest students but will never forget him.
Joni Reynolds
April 18, 2015
It is an honor and a privilege to be one of "Arnie's Kids". He taught us about being hard-working, kind, and happy with who we were by example, and we are all better people for having known him. Love to his wonderful family.
Sam Rhem
April 18, 2015
My Sympathies, Arnie was a fixture in my High School life and beyond, a truly great man.
Julie Barreto
April 18, 2015
Condolences to the family. I remember him from my days at Harbor High 1970-1973. I remember him as a tough cookie in neat clothes: I didn't want to get on the wrong side of him!
Cheryl Price Regier
April 18, 2015
My condolences to Mr. Levine's family. He was one in a million!
Jana Jacobs Modena
April 18, 2015
Sending prayers for the Levine Family - I know his Pirate family will remember him with love and joy.
Judy
April 18, 2015
I remember Mr Levine, he was my teacher at B-40 back in 1959. We need more teachers like him as he believed in his students showing respect and coming to the class room dressed appropriate and standing tall when saluting the flag. Yes, he was a great teacher in more ways than one and most certainly made the world a better place.
Linda/Rich McGranahan
April 18, 2015
Estelle, Joy, Mitch & families: So many wonderful memories of Arnie as a neighbor & a friend. A compassionate, intelligent & funny man who really cared about his family & community. Our love & prayers are with you all. Linda & Rich McGranahan
April 18, 2015
He never forgot a person's name.Always that smile .My sympathy goes out to his family.
Marlene Avona
April 18, 2015
Arnie's long and active life, devotion to his family and community, is a worthy example that puts most of the rest of us to shame. Farewell Arnie.
Lion Jeff
Dennis Allshouse
April 18, 2015
A GREAT MAN & One of the best TEACHERS !! I believe they should name a School after him !I remember he and I bringing a man who had broken his back across the San Lorenzo before he drowned. RIP Arnie
Laura Murren - Goens
April 17, 2015
My thoughts and prayers go out to Mr. Levine's family and friends. What a nice man he was. He made a difference in many young people's lives. I'm glad to have had him as our vice principal at Harbor High.
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1050 Cayuga St, Santa Cruz, CA 95062
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