Gerald Stewart Levin

Gerald Stewart Levin

March 19, 1934 - June 12, 2024

NAPA - Gerald Levin was born in San Francisco where he was a proud graduate of Lowell High School. He studied theater and English at the University of California Berkeley and moved to New York to begin an acting career. After some time, he decided to return to California to get his master's degree from San Francisco State University to become a teacher.

He found his teaching position in Napa, where he settled to teach and raise his family with Lora, a classical violinist. He was a well-loved English teacher for 38 years, first at Ridgeview and then chair of the English Department at Napa High School. He specialized in Shakespeare, plays and playwrights and English literature. His teaching touched several generations of the Napa community. He would often be stopped in town by former students who asked if he remembered them, and he always said "yes" even after they had become adults. He was also an instructor in the teacher education program at Sonoma State University and was a mentor to younger teachers.

From the time he was a young boy, Gerald loved opera and classical music. He reminisced about how he would take the streetcar in San Francisco by himself to the opera house to see the performances and collect autographs. As an adult, going to the opera season on Saturday nights was one of his favorite activities. In fact, Gerald and Lora sat in the same seats in the grand tier since the time they were engaged.

Gerald was president of the Napa County Mental Health Board for many years as he believed in the need in the community to promote positive outcomes for people of all ages who were at risk for mental illness.

He always loved gourmet cooking, trying out different spices and a good drink. When he wasn't working, he enjoyed traveling to several countries and was interested in other cultures. Often, he peppered his conversations with short expressions in French and Yiddish. His thoughtful words grace the plaque made for artist Shari Kadar's statue called "The Immigrants" in downtown Napa that welcomes families from all over the world to a new homeland.

Gerald loved cats, especially orange tabby cats who often found a place on his lap while he spent hours reading everything from authors on the best seller list to the classics. He was a private man who always found his connection through deep thoughts and the power of language. He was known for his sharp wit and humor. He loved the finer things in life and connected with the beauty of all that Napa had to offer.

He is survived by his wife, Lora; his two daughters: Rachel Kertz and Deborah Levin; and his two grandsons: Nathan Kertz and Ryan Kertz. He is also survived by his sister, Roberta Michaels.

The family would like to express appreciation to trainers Autry and Margo Morris for their help and to the caregivers Morgan, Vanessa and Chrissy at Gramma's House in Napa.

A private family service was observed at Tulocay Cemetery in Napa.

Donations in lieu of flowers may be contributed to the Napa Humane Society or the Friends of the Napa Library.

He will be greatly missed.