Marvin Levin Obituary

Marvin Levin
September 14, 1931 - October 7, 2023
Marvin Levin passed away shortly after his 92nd birthday, in Walnut Creek.
Marvin was born in San Jose, to Dan and Helen Levin, in 1931. He was a top athlete in high school, but left that behind to concentrate on his studies at UC Berkeley, where he was commissioner of the debate club, and president of his fraternity, Phi Lambda Phi. He graduated Phi Beta Kappa in 1952, and then attended UC Berkeley Law, earning his J.D. in 1955. He also became a CPA.
After practicing law briefly, he discovered one of his greatest passions: real estate. He built homes in Clear Lake Oaks modeled on the Florida Keys, where residents could dock their boats right behind their homes; Clear Lake Keys remains a thriving community today.
In 1971 the founding partners of Consolidated Capital asked him for legal advice. He soon became indispensable to the team, was named president, and helped grow it into one of the nation's major real estate investment companies.
Since his J.D. and CPA certificate weren't enough to satisfy his desire for a lifetime of education, he went on to earn an M.B.A. from Pepperdine, a Ph.D. degree from Golden Gate University, and an honorary degree from the Pacific Graduate School of Psychology.
Following the sale of ConCap, he remained active in real estate, as well as in new businesses, through the 2010s. Over the years he mentored many young people, from the new generation of the debate club, to his students at UC Berkeley Extension, and to anyone who sought his advice.
His other passion was chess: Sometimes when he observed two players in the park or a coffee shop, he would innocently mention that he knew "how the pieces move." In fact, he'd won a statewide tournament when he was fourteen. He played chess until shortly before his passing.
He is survived by his life partner, Jennifer Marsh. He was also father to Donna, Joni, and Claire (of blessed memory), and grandfather to Maytal, Jacob, William, Sonia, Daniel, Elena, Cora, David, Anna, and Levi.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Francisco Chronicle on Oct. 10, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Marvin Levin

12 Entries

Mark Odell

November 21, 2023

My best memories of Marvin were his ability to listen and ask important questions. This made him a teacher with wisdom and a mentor to countless people. He was my guiding light from the time I joined ConCap in 1973. Mark Odell

Leonard R. Perillo

October 25, 2023

When I first met Marvin in 1985, I had no idea the metamorphic influence that he would have upon my life. His presence, tutorial mentorship and friendship literally changed my life and the lives of many others for the better. I will eternally love, appreciate and miss him.
Rest dear friend, you've earned it........

Debbie Baker

October 16, 2023

Marv was so much more than a company leader - he was someone who genuinely cared for people and went WAY out of his way to make sure they were encouraged to be their best self, whether it included more education (his favorite topic!) or more support in other ways. He was such an inspiration and so kind in sharing his soft spoken wisdom. Truly life-changing to have known him.

David Galstad

October 16, 2023

One day I was walking a property with Marv he stopped and bent down to pick up a penny. I said Marv a penny and he proceeded to give me some of the best advice I have ever received. He said David never walk by free money pennies make dollars and dollars add up to millions. He added never skimp on your shoes or your bed you spend your entire life in those places. I took it to hart and I´m definitely better for knowing him. Truly a great person!

Anne Sheldon

October 15, 2023

I was fortunate to work at Consolidated Capital under Marv´s exceptional leadership. Marv´s influence as a mentor was profound, inspiring us to embrace failure as a path to excellence. His most significant contribution was creating a cost-free Master´s program through Golden Gate University, thoughtfully organized to fit our work schedules and even bring instructors to our office. Completing the progam opened doors and opportunities I never imagined. Marv´s legacy lives on, a testament to his generosity and unwavering belief in our potential.

Rest in peace, Marvin

Anne Sheldon

The Norton Family

October 14, 2023

Condolences to all. May his memory be a blessing.

Mary Dresser

October 12, 2023

Marvin was an incredible and funny brilliant man. I knew him through his partnership with Don Carlson since 1984, and am saddened to hear of his passing. Rest in peace Marv.

Maureen Egan

Planted Trees

Lee Dorado

October 11, 2023

Beautiful Obituary. Marvin was larger than life. He mentored so many people. Truly a most generous man. Marvin changed my life and I am
forever grateful.

Irwin Feinberg

October 11, 2023

Marv had a "beautiful mind" which he joyfully used for the benefit of all

Shirley Nelson

October 11, 2023

Marv was a mentor to me for many years. I sought his advice on many issues. He said as always there for me. I will miss him very much. Rest in peace my dear friend. God Bless you Marv. I know you are safe with God though I doubt that you will win in chess with him.

Doug Gordy

October 10, 2023

May his memory be a blessing.

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