Meyer Lewis Actor

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University of California Los Angeles

Meyer Actor Obituary

Meyer Lewis Actor Born Milwaukee, Wisconsin August 29th, 1917, passed away December 3rd, 2009 in San Ramon, California at age 92. He was a child prodigy (piano), then later attending UCLA; where he not only continued playing piano but was an Olympic level wrestler permanently listed on UCLA's "Murderer's Row" which pays tribute to its top athletes. Lew enlisted in the Army in WWII and fought in the Pacific Theater as the Coxswain of a landing craft making many dangerous beach landings. His Unit was highly decorated for bravery and he received the Bronze Star and other medals for valor. Returning to civilian life, Lew joined his father in running Actor's Auto Works in Los Angeles. Lew was considered one of the best auto painters in the industry and was given credit in publications like "Hot Rod" magazine for paint applications on many custom cars. He later also painted stunt planes for celebrities like wrestler "Ray Thunder Stern". Lew moved to Redwood City in 1957 to open "SMAC Industries" with longtime friend Carl Smilovitz. SMAC was a pioneer in high quality industrial paint finishes for the up and coming electronics industry on the SF Peninsula. Lew developed a unique coating system to protect space vehicles. Lew was a devoted family man. His wife Ruth (Barrish) passed away from cancer in 1960 leaving him with 2 sets of twins to raise alone. The following year, Lew met and married Joan Krafchow who brought her sons into this new marriage. This union lasted until his passing. Joan (Krafchow) Actor survives Lew. Lew is also survived by sons Gary Actor of Bamberg, Germany, David Actor of Park City, Utah, step-son Edmond Krafchow of San Francisco, numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, as well as brother-in-law Paul Barrish of Los Gatos. Lew was preceded in death by Ruth Actor, son Phillip Actor, daughter Judith Actor (Pendley). Lew was a 3rd Degree Mason and will be interned with his Masonic apron. Burial arrangements are being handled by The Neptune Society. Graveside services will be at Skylawn Memorial Park in San Mateo on Friday, December 11th at 1 p.m. Donations in Lew's name can be made to any Masonic Lodge in California.

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Published by San Jose Mercury News on Dec. 9, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Meyer Actor

12 Entries

Joyce Levinson

December 3, 2023

I can still hear Uncle Lew saying, aging is not for sissy´s! He had a booming deep voice. Every time I hear Clair de lune I think of him. Miss you Uncle Lew

Gary Actor

April 27, 2010

I wanted to add a little note about my Dad's WWII experiences...He felt very strongly about being involved in the defense of Democracy and when he joined the Army, he was offerred a commission as a 2nd Lieutenant but declined it as his desire was to "actively fight the enemy and not play the piano for staff officers" so he chose to enter as an enlisted soldier. He told Phil and I a few of his beach landing events and his talent as a body and fender man, welder, and all around metal worker. He was constantly scrounging machine guns from aircraft, steel from disabled vehicles, etc. to strengthen his and other landing craft defensively as well as fortify firepower for his beach landing and protect the troops he was sending into harms way. I mention this now as America is now involved in a war again and stories like Dads are what real heroes are all about.

Alan Lasnover

March 28, 2010

Here it is March 2010 and it's still not possible to recall my love of Lew without breaking into tears. Although never certain of how we related, I understood that we were cousins of sort.

Lew was 20 years my senior (this relationship never varied) and he continued to serve as a role model, both in business and family life. I enjoyed visiting with him, in Redwood City, and later, with my wife, in The Villages and then in the desert and San Ramon. Lew and I shared a passion for golf as well as for decency and honesty. I will always attempt to remain true to his ideals.

Fran & Berny Barrish

December 20, 2009

Lew was more than a cousin to us...he was, above all, a GOOD FRIEND! We shared many happy times together when we lived near each other in Redwood City but always enjoyed our contacts with him in later years by phone or in person.Memories of going to Popsie and Aunt Dora's house are precious...our kids loved him too!!! We shall miss him greatly.

James Klauber

December 12, 2009

Lew was a wonderful friend to my father and mother during the last 2 1/2 years at Villa San Ramon. I got to know Lew well during that time...he always greeted me a big smile and I have to say one of the kindest gentleman that I've known. We'll all miss him.

December 9, 2009

I never got to meet Uncle Lew, but he was my Saturday phone buddy. I would call him every Saturday while driving to my father's house. He would tell me stories about his family and friends and I would tell him about my job and my life back in Brooklyn, NY.. He was so fascinated with my stories, especially around the Jewish Holidays. I'm going to miss him terribly. I'll never remove his phone# from my phone. Rest in Peace, Uncle Lew, I love you...Rochelle Levinson (Henderson, NV)

alexis sanchez

December 9, 2009

Grandpa you will forever always be in my heart. I will miss you immensely.

Tamara Staton

December 9, 2009

I didn't know Lew all that well, as we only got together a few times for dinner and such. But what I do remember, I really really enjoyed. Such an easy man to be around.

Sheryl Mandell

December 9, 2009

My mother, Jean, was Lew Actor's little sister.
Uncle Lew was like a father to me. I honestly don't know what my life would have been like if he wasn't there for me. I will miss his laugh, I will miss his stories, I will miss his bear hugs, I will miss his smile. I will miss his courage and I will miss him dearly. I am a better person for knowing him. He was my hero.

Carla Adamic

December 9, 2009

I work at Villa San Ramon where Lew and his wife have lived for the past 4 years. It was my privilege to know Lew and be a part of his life. He was a quality man, inside and out, always giving to others up to the very last day. He will be sorely missed by the staff and residents of Villa San Ramon!

Judy Weisman

December 9, 2009

I have only happy memories of "Uncle Lew", when I baby-sat with two sets of twins and he painted my first car, a 1950 Chevy Convertible BRIGHT chartreuse! I loved his twinkle and his sense of humor.
Judy Levinson Weisman

Joyce Levinson

December 9, 2009

Lew Actor was my mother's big brother and she had a very special place for him in her heart. Me too! I was able to really get to know my Uncle some years ago when we discovered each other using emails! He helped me accept and understand what retirement...and it worked! He was not only my Uncle Lew but a good good friend and comfort. I loved to hear his strong booming voice on the phone. I will miss my dear Uncle Lew!

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