Peter G. Levison

1935 - 2023

Peter G. Levison
August 29, 1935 - July 12, 2023
In loving memory of Peter Gerstle Levison. He was born in San Francisco and died peacefully in San Rafael, California, after a short and unexpected illness. He was just shy of 88 years old.
Peter was a fourth-generation San Franciscan, the son of George Lewis Levison and Aline Raas Levison. As a child, he attended local public elementary schools and the Tamalpais School for Boys in Marin. He went on to Amherst College to major in US History, a proud graduate of the class of 1956.
After college, fulfilling an ROTC commitment, Peter entered the US Air Force. Even as a young man, his hearing was not so good. The Air Force, in its wisdom, decided he shouldn't pilot an airplane. Instead, in 1957 he was sent to NYU to study to become a weatherman. While in New York, a friend set him up on a blind date with a Vassar co-ed named Ruth Levinson. Their romance thrived, even as Peter went on to complete his Air Force time in the Philippines. They were married in March 1960 and began their lives together in San Francisco.
Peter ran several successful small businesses, including more than one with Ruth. They were partners, not just in marriage, but in everything in life. That ain't easy. A printing brokerage, Peter G. Levison Associates, gave way to a greeting card design and manufacturing company, Curtis Swann. Peter knew everybody with a printing press and how to produce beautiful things on paper. He also embraced new design technology, mastering Photoshop. Later in their careers, Peter and Ruth together ran an art design and licensing company, Levison Design. His son Mark continues that family business today.
Peter was an avid tennis player, a lifetime member of the California Tennis Club of San Francisco, and an active doubles player well into his eighties. Everyone knows he was passionate about sports. He was a 49ers season ticket holder since the Kezar days. He dragged his children (and later a few grandchildren) to games, and they became fans. He cheered the Niners, Giants, and Warriors through 13 combined championships.
Peter served many years as the Amherst '56 Class Secretary, composing updates and bulletins so classmates and spouses could keep up with each other. He was always pleased when his class had 100% alumni annual giving participation, every year, besting all the other classes.
Of most importance, Peter was a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather, and brother. He is survived by a large family: His wife of 63 years, Ruth L. Levison, his sister Ellie Gross (David Gross), his children Beth Levison (Tom Allen), Jill Levison Chenok (Dan Chenok), and Mark Levison (Ali Goldstein), and his grandchildren Simone Allen, Noah Allen, Hannah Chenok, Ava Chenok, Mira Chenok, Delilah Levison, and Eli Levison.
Peter G., you will be dearly missed but with us always. Your memory is a blessing.
A small funeral was held on July 17 at the Home of Peace Cemetery in Colma. A larger, private celebration of Peter's life will be held in October (for more information, please send an email to peter.levison.memorial@gmail.com). Donations in Peter's memory may be made to Jewish Family and Children's Services.