Leroy L. Levy

Leroy L. Levy, 92, was born May 28, 1932 in Chicago, Illinois.

Leroy graduated from Harrison High School. He then went to Wright Junior College, Theodor Herzl Junior College and finished two years at John Marshall Law School. He then met Irma Putterman at a party and attended the Chicago Police Academy. As a rookie in 1957, Leroy solved a burglary crime spree and was promoted to Patrolman, at that time he was the youngest ever promoted to Patrolman. He soon became a Sergeant of Police and spent most of his years at the 20th District on Foster Avenue. He then moved to Police Headquarters in the Fingerprint Division, then Gun Registration Division, and then as a Court Sergeant at 26th and California and various branch courts. Leroy retired in 2000 after a distinguished 43-year career of serving and protecting the citizens of Chicago. While a policeman, Leroy was among the founders of the Shomrim Society of Illinois, an organization of first responders of the Jewish faith. Leroy held every elected office in the Shomrim Society and served as President from 1987 through 1988. He mentored many young policemen and dedicated his time to helping them learn how to navigate the tough streets of Chicago.

Leroy married Irma on October 6, 1956, and they were married for 67 years until her recent death in August 2024. They first lived in an apartment on the West Side and then bought their first and only home in West Rogers Park in 1964.

Leroy was a fun loving, gregarious, outgoing, storyteller. He loved entertaining his many friends and even his son's friends. Everyone loved Leroy. He was not always politically correct, and you would hear some curse language in all of his stories. But he loved people, loved connecting with them and loved helping them.

Leroy was a loyal Chicago sports fan, with particular pride in the Cubs, Bulls and Bears. He never went anywhere without wearing a sports hat. He loved everything politics, local and national, and was the smartest man we knew. His wealth of knowledge and memory were remarkable.

Leroy was a wonderful, devoted and caring husband, father, Papa, and friend to many. He was a tough as nails cop and dedicated his life to Irma, their boys and the Chicago Police Department.

Leroy was preceded in death by his loving wife of almost 68 years, Irma, and survived by their 3 devoted sons, Steven (Lisa) Levy, Daniel (Lisa) Levy, Robert (Patricia, deceased) Levy, and his former daughter-in-law Sandy Levy. Leroy "Papa" is survived by his 3 precious grandchildren, Adam (Leah) Levy, Alyssa (Ashley) Levy Estoque and Jared (Nina) Levy, and by his 3 great grandchildren, Ashton, Adina, and Teddi Levy. Leroy is predeceased by his great grandson, Trey Levy, by his parents David and Esther Levy, and by his sisters, Betty Finocchio and Gloria Mellon.

Service Wednesday, 12PM at Chicago Jewish Funerals, 8851 Skokie Blvd (at Niles Center Road), Skokie. Interment Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Shomrim Society of Illinois Endowment Fund, P.O. Box 59258 Chicago Illinois 60659, www.shomrimillinois.org or email info@shomrimillinois.org. To attend the funeral livestream, please visit our website. Arrangements by Chicago Jewish Funerals - Skokie Chapel, 847.229.8822, www.cjfinfo.com