Herb Levine

1942 - 2025

Herb Levine
07/09/1942 - 01/06/2025
Born in the Bronx, Herb Levine died January 6, 2025, wearing a Warriors t-shirt, a fitting end to 82 years of serving as a fearless warrior for the flag of justice. He battled with a keen mind, a sharp tongue, a warm, bright sense of humor and an unconquerable spirit.
Herb worked for over 30 years at the Independent Living Resource Center of SF, which he considered a gift he always tried to be worthy of. From his participation in the landmark 28-day sit-in at the San Francisco Federal Building in 1977, that led to the passage of the American with Disabilities Act, to his role as executive director of ILRC, he shared his unique combination of tenacity, humor and gentle wisdom as a leader and a teacher.
Although his professional work was advocating for people with disabilities, his drive to help others, deeply rooted in his Judaism, extended to all areas where people could be helped. He had an intense love of knowledge and was well read in many areas. His Jewish learning included an affinity for the works of The Chofetz Chaim and Rabbi Samson Refael Hirsch. His love of reading was such that he wanted to share it with everyone who stopped by, guests often leaving with a book in hand. He was a lifelong learner with a questioning nature that never diminished.
Herb's most treasured role was that of husband and father. He was a nourisher: preparing meals, providing a shoulder to cry on, and filling up his family with a lifetime of love.
Herb was a dedicated husband (wife, Karen Weissmann), nurturing father (Sarah and Michael), and beloved grandfather. He also is survived by his brother (Bernie), first wife (Channa Ora), and best friend (Bill Palmer). He leaves behind a blueprint on how to live a purposeful life.
In lieu of flowers, send a letter to your congressman to prevent cuts to social and disability services.
Herb requested that donations in his memory go to either the Senior Disability Action (https://www.sdaction.org/) or Kollel Avreichim (checks for Kollel to 2225 Rue Goyer Montreal, Quebec, Canada H3S1H1).
A memorial will be held on February 5th, between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., at Adath Israel, 1851 Noriega, San Francisco.
May his memory be blessed.