Lee Daniel Levine

1958 - 2022

Lee Daniel Levine, 63, passed away on Friday, Sept. 9, 2022, in Brooklyn, New York, after a brief illness.

He was born in La Porte, Indiana, on Sept. 21, 1958, to Maurice Levine and the late Marcia (Daniel) Levine. Lee is survived by his son, Isadore "Izzy" Levine; sister, Joan (Michael) Russell; nephew, Remy Russell; and niece, Emma Russell. He was preceded in death by his mother and sister, Sandra.

Lee graduated from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, the third generation of Levines to do so. He majored in literature and was awarded the distinguished Hopwood Award for Writing at the university. His love of all sports led him to publish his 1988 book, "Bird: The Making of an American Sports Legend," a best seller chronicling the life of NBA basketball star Larry Bird, and the Indiana basketball culture. Printed in half a dozen languages, the book sold well around the world, both in hardback and paperback.

Upon graduation, Lee became a high school English and literature teacher. He taught in high schools in New York, Miami and New Jersey. Lee also worked with high school theater productions and coached basketball. In 2012, Lee founded Ideal College Guidance, where he worked one on one with students to help them find the right college to suit their wishes, educational and career goals. Lee's students came from all over the U.S. and many European countries. He loved and excelled at his work and forged meaningful relationships with students and their families.

He was an adoring father, stopping at nothing to give Izzy every opportunity possible. Lee and Izzy fully embraced the variety and vibrancy of New York City, exploring activities such as Izzy's martial arts pursuits at nationally competitive levels. Father and son enjoyed the huge array of ethnic food and music, attended sports events, especially tennis, explored toy and bookstores, and rode and memorized virtually every stop and line of the New York Subway system.

At La Porte High School, Lee enjoyed much success on the debate and tennis teams. No surprise then that he was a brilliant conversationalist, with enthusiasm for all things intellectual. He was a fervent follower of politics, music, all sports and the contemporary book scene.

Lee will be dearly missed by many close, loyal friends with whom he communicated often over numerous years, despite great distance.

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 9, 2022, at Cutler Funeral Home, 2900 Monroe St., La Porte. To view the service online, please visit www.cutlercares.com for the live stream beginning 15 minutes prior to the service.

A time of visitation will be held from 1 p.m. until the time of the service on Sunday at the funeral home. Private interment will follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Sinai Temple, 2800 Franklin St, Michigan City, IN, 46360, or to a charity of the donor's choice.

Condolences may be shared with the family online at www.cutlercares.com.