Stephen Louis Levin
September 24, 1946 - November 30, 2023
Stephen passed away at home on November 30th at 9:20pm. Diagnosed with stage four pancreatic cancer on February 7, 2023, he fought the good fight till the last day.
Native of Philadelphia. Son of Joseph Levin and Lilly Levin (née Weisfeld) deceased; brother to Arlene Kofsky (née Levin) deceased.
He attended Philadelphia College of Textiles and Sciences, receiving a B.S. in business in1968. He moved to San Francisco in 1971 and graduated from San Francisco State in 1974 with an M.A. in Special Education. He taught for 13 years in San Mateo and San Francisco as an itinerant teacher for the visually impaired. He transitioned to the Antique business in 1985 - a business about which he was passionate. He was a true dealer and merchant and had two antique shops in Noe Valley. He left that business for a time and went into the financial sector and received security licenses in stocks, mutual funds and insurance and traded successfully for himself. He returned to Antiques in the early 2000s, but his focus turned to art. Starting with an interest in early California Art he expanded but always stayed with what appealed to his eye. He enjoyed dealing with artists directly, including Heinie Hartwig and the family of Dean Colichidas.
Steve is survived by the love of his life, Dr. Ali Navarro. Together since 1992, they moved from Noe Valley to Marin in 1998 when he and Ali bought an old Arts and Crafts bungalow on the historic list in San Rafael's Gerstle Park and spent time restoring it.
Steve was a major foodie, a major sports fan, played a lot of pickup basketball and baseball, a jazz fan and enjoyed gardening and his roses very much. He had some wonderful dogs and was devoted to them: Rockie a Golden Retriever, Denali a Samoyed and most recently, BO-a Sammy who can be seen holding court occasionally at Red Hill Dog Park in San Anselmo.
Steve was a wonderful companion and a great love with a gift for being totally present and a pragmatic approach to life's challenges.
Thanks to Kaiser San Rafael, and Anatara Medicine, San Francisco for his medical care. A special thanks to his cousin, Saul Weisfeld, who helped him survive and added to the quality of his life in his last months.
At his request there will be no memorial. He is survived by his loving wife, Ali; and his cousins, Saul Weisfeld, Paula Freedman (née Weisfeld), Arthur Weisfeld (Dr. Virginia Brabender), Judy Levy (née Weisfeld) (Dr. Robert Levy), and Donna Morein (Beth Kroppe) and Barry Morein.
Assisted by Monte's Chapel of the Hills, San Anselmo, Calif.

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

Published by San Francisco Chronicle on Dec. 23, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Stephen Levin

Sponsored by Monte's Chapel Of The Hills.

8 Entries

Saul Weisfeld

August 9, 2024

I can still hear Steve's voice when answering his call. "It's Cousin Steve".
I always enjoyed Steve's company as far back as I can remember. I also remember the hospitality Steve and Ali showed me on my California visits. We had many shared interests from jazz to naturopathic medicine and supplements.
In his last year, we talked at length on our weekly calls. I like to think our conversations had a positive influence on keeping Steve with us for longer with more time to share. I know his desire to learn more and his motivation for life was inspirational and lives on in me.

With love, Cousin Saul Weisfeld

Lydia Cairo

April 10, 2024

What a guy. So great to be in his presence. He listened with real interest and responded with clarity. He made me feel heard and valued. He had a gentle manner and a sense of humor. I'm so thankful for having known him.
Steve is missed and I honor his life and his ways. May God bless all of his good deeds for others. Love him.
Lydia

Whitney Wulff Strong

February 6, 2024

To Stephen's family, loved ones and friends, please know I'm wrapping each of you in prayer and holding you close to my heart as we remember his wisdom, integrity, decency, good humor, honor and friendship. His life mattered to so many of us.
In the Spirit of Love and Gratitude, Hope, Humility and Grace.

Whitney Wolff Strong

Mija Deering

Planted Trees

Carol Arpino

January 14, 2024

I first met Steve when I went to San Francisco to visit my sister, Ali. I stayed in the studio apartment below their home. He had built three large balconies which gave us a fabulous view over the city, all the way to the bay. I spent a wonderful month with Ali and Steve. Steve was an inventive mostly vegetarian cook. He was a great appreciator of beauty in art, glass or plants. I knew I was really welcome when I found he had put one of his beautiful long stem roses in my room. He was generous. He never complained when I needed Ali when my daughter died. Or, when Ali and I went on a 7-day river cruise in Holland. I will miss Steve. May he rest in peace until we all meet again.

Steve Barriere

January 5, 2024

Remembering a friend and his dog.

Gloria

January 1, 2024

Beautiful Words about him.
I miss Steve already. Steve was such a sincere person, a rarity these days. I always loved his advice and interest in my world, whenever I saw him. He wholeheartedly lived his life and made a beautiful home for he and Ali.

Willard Monroe

December 25, 2023

Stephen I will miss seeing and talking with you about our shared interest in art and sports. Our conversations were very stimulating and thought provoking. You shall remain in my thoughts and prayers. My condolences to his lovely wife who was there for him throughout his period of illness. Goodbye my friend and may you rest in peace.

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