John Levitas

1934 - 2025

John Levitas

Whitesboro, NY

John Levitas, age 90, of Whitesboro, NY, passed away peacefully on Monday, July 7, 2025, at the MVHS Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Utica, NY-just one week before his 91st birthday.

Born in Hackensack, NJ, on July 13, 1934, John was the son of the late Ethel R. and Dr. Irving M. Levitas. He grew up in Westwood, NJ, graduating from Westwood High School in 1951. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts from Dartmouth College in 1955 and a Master of Business and Government from the Tuck School of Business in 1956. A proud and lifelong Dartmouth alumnus, John remained deeply connected to his alma mater.

From 1956 to 1958, John served in the United States Army and was honorably discharged from the Army Reserve in 1962. He began his career as a stockbroker with Blair & Company in the 1960s. In 1972, he earned a Master of Arts in Higher Education and Finance from Teachers College, Columbia University, which led him to Upstate New York to serve as Bursar at Mohawk Valley Community College.

John made his home in Whitesboro, where he raised his first two children. After his first marriage ended, he met June Dunn and they married in 1985. Their 40-year marriage was filled with love, laughter, and shared adventures. John embraced June's large extended family as his own.

In the 1980s, John owned Lichtman's Liquors in North Utica and pursued various business ventures. After retirement, he and June built a home on Trails Crossing, where John dedicated himself to volunteering at St. Luke's and Faxton Hospitals. His service there spanned over a decade and brought him great joy.

John loved traveling with June, hiking in the Adirondacks, reading, and golfing-playing well into his 80s as a member of Crestwood Golf Club in Marcy. He climbed many of the Adirondack 46 High Peaks and was an active member of the Utica Tramp and Trail Club. A devoted Yankees fan, he made annual trips to the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown. He was also a thoughtful contributor to public discourse through frequent Letters to the Editor.

John served his community as a Library Trustee, election inspector, and President of the Whitestown Ethics Committee.

John is survived by his beloved wife of 40 years, June Levitas; his children: Chris (Aria) Levitas and Kim (Aaron) Kirby and stepchildren: Susan (Michael) Campion and Brian (Joyce) Dunn. Grandchildren: Francesca, Antonia, and Georgia Levitas; Caroline and Nate Kirby; Michael (Anastasia) Staskowski, Lisa (Ryan) Ferrucci, Matthew and Luke Campion; Sean (Teresa) Dunn, Patrick (Rachel) Dunn, and Carolyn Dunn. Great-grandchildren: Cassidy, Mason, Owen, Carter, and Nora Ferrucci; Conner Staskowski; Gordon, Benjamin, Kathryn, Addison, and Leah Dunn

John was predeceased by his sisters, Jane (Jim) Knox of Storrs, CT, and Betty (David) Rubin of Reston, VA.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff at MVHS Rehabilitation and Nursing Center and the Wynn Hospital for their compassionate care, especially in John's final days.

A private ceremony will be held by the family to honor John's life and legacy. Arrangements are with the Dimbleby Funeral Homes Inc. 40 main St. Whitesboro.

For online expressions of sympathy please go to www.dimblebyfh.com

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