Joseph Levinson

Joseph died at home, in his bed, Saturday morning, October 16, 2004. His spirit was released as he lay comforted and secure in the arms of his wife. Born in 1930 in New York City to Charles and Ida Levinson, Joe joined the Merchant Marines in his late teens and traveled the world. On his return to the U.S., he lived in Miami and Las Vegas before settling in and beginning his love affair with New Orleans. ""Mr. Joe'' became a French Quarter personality. Everyone knew him and loved him. He was active in the Vieux Carre Commission and his ""white balcony'' at 1109 Royal St. has been seen in many films. His beautiful children, Jonathan and Romany, were reared in the eclectic wonderland of the French Quarter. Joe worked as a licensed embalmer for Tharp-Sontheimer-Laudumiey Funeral Home and his talent for facial reconstruction was recognized citywide. He attended the University of New Orleans and studied sculpting at Tulane University. Joe met his wife, Karen, in 1979 and in 1987 they moved to their current home in Story, Ark., to raise their beloved Akbash Dogs. Joseph is preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Karen; his son, Boatswain Mate 2nd Class Jonathan McNeely, stationed in Jacksonville, Fla.; his daughter and son-in-law, Romany and Mike Riddle of Staunton, Va.; four grandchildren, Adam Harper, Ashley Harper, Sierra McNeely and Justin Riddle; two sisters (his best friends!), Estelle Sanders of New York City and Manya Borden of Hobe-Sound, Fla; two brothers-in-law, Herbert Borden and Steven Ressler; three nephews, Mitchell Borden, Glen Borden and Mark Sanders; his mother-in-law, Winona Ressler, and many friends across the country who loved him and who will miss him. Honorary Pallbearers are Dr. John Bond who never stopped caring, his nurses, Julie and Margaret; Nikki Flemming and the entire 4 East Staff at St. Joe's for their compassion, humor and unconditional love; all of the Nursing Administration staff at St. Joe's, Nursing Supervisors Mel Bowers, Shirley Everright and Denise Patton who sat with Joe deep into the night with their gentle ways during scary times; Rebecca Smalling, Ann Ferrell, Loretta and David Castle; and Ellen Perkins, his Hospice nurse from Montgomery County Health Unit who helped Joe and his family so much during his last weeks. Joseph Levinson's body has been cremated. A memorial service will be held in the chapel at St. Joseph's Mercy Health Center, Hot Springs, Ark. A private family funeral will be held in York, PA. Memorials may be made to Arkansas Department of Health Hospice, 1425 Malvern Ave., Hot Springs, AR 71901.