Sam Levitz Obituary

Sam Levitz (1914-2005) Sam Levitz (Abraham Samuel Levitz), founder and owner of Sam Levitz Furniture in Tucson, Arizona died Saturday, December 17, 2005, at his home in Tucson of natural causes. Mr. Levitz was 91 years old. In addition to founding Sam Levitz Furniture, Tucson's oldest and largest furniture company, Mr. Levitz was an avid private pilot and flew for the Pima County Sheriff's Aero Squadron. He enjoyed fly-fishing and hunting all over the world. Mr. Levitz also played flamenco guitar with the world famous Carlos Montoya as his teacher. Mr. Levitz was the originator of the "Direct-To-You Warehouse" concept which he developed in Tucson in the 1950's. Many large retail chains have since copied the "warehouse-to-you" idea. Born February 17, 1914, over the family's general store in Lebanon, Pennsylvania, he was raised in the retail business. For health reasons and needing a warmer climate, he moved to Tucson in 1941. Before opening Tucson's first television store in 1953 in downtown Tucson, he was the chief photographer for the Arizona Daily Star, winning national awards as a photo journalist. His most notable photos appeared on covers of "Life" & "Look" magazines. In 1955, with his brothers as investors, Mr. Levitz began selling furniture, televisions and appliances direct from the warehouse at 815 E. 18th Street in Tucson. It was an immediate success which led to him helping his brothers develop a similar operation in Phoenix. His brothers went on to develop the nationwide, publicly held Levitz Furniture chain, while Sam Levitz Furniture remained a privately held Tucson company. The company continues to be owned by the family with his son, Sam R., as president for the last 15 years. Other family members continue to help manage the company as well. The family will have a private service and burial. Mr. Levitz was active on the board of directors of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Tucson. The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, contributions be made to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Tucson (Sam Levitz Memorial Fund). Sam Levitz was preceded in death by his son, Saylor Levitz, three sisters and two brothers. He is survived by the Love of his Life, his wife, Lee Levitz, his children, Kandie Levitz (Drew) Vactor, Suzanne Levitz (Ron) Payton, Sam R. (Valerie) Levitz, Andy Levitz, Kathi Levitz (Chuck) Peters; fourteen Grandchildren and nine Great-Grandchildren, and his brother, Leon Levitz.

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Published by Arizona Daily Star on Dec. 19, 2005.

Memories and Condolences
for Sam Levitz

11 Entries

Sherry Stewart, Lee Levitz's oldest daughter

January 28, 2025

One more daughter, not mentioned here. I flew with Sam and Mother many times. He bought me my Commache plane when I returned home from Japan.
Ous families flew many places together. Two of our favorite places were Boulder and wild country near Jackson, Wyoming

PATSY ANDERSON

May 25, 2006

I SEND MY SYMPATHY TO THE LEVITZ FAMILY. I JUST LEARNED OF SAM'S DEATH. I REMEMBER WHEN I WAS LOOKING FOR FURNATURE FOR MY HOME AND WAS IN THE ORANGE GROVE STORE, MR AND MRS LEVITZ CAME INTO THE STORE WITH A GENTLEMAN TO LOOK OVER THE PLANS FOR EXPANDING THE STORE. I WAS SITTING AT ONE OF THE TABLES WAITING FOR MY ORDER TO BE WRITTEN UP AND THEY CAME OVER AND SAT WITH ME AND INTRODUCED THEIR SELVES. I WAS SO IMPRESSED WITH THEIR KINDNESS AND CONSIDERATION OF THEIR CUSTOMERS. I HAVE RETURNED MANY TIMES FOR NEEDS FOR MY HOME. WHAT A WONDERFUL COUPLE. I AM PROUD TO HAVE KNOWN THEM IN ONLY FOR A FEW MINUTES. PATSY ANDEERSON TUCSON,AZ

Ken Lyon

May 12, 2006

Dear Lee and family - I was so surprised to just recently hear about Sam's passing and recall so many times when the Shar Peis would come and see me for dental check-ups. I still have a lot of memories and photos. I can remember his flying and hunting stories and always asking how my kids were doing. Sam was such a great person and had a good life with many adventures. My deepest sympathy to you. Ken Lyon, DVM - Southern Arizona Veterinary Specialists

Kandie Levitz Vactor

February 10, 2006

The Levitz Family thanks all of you for your thoughts, prayers and memories. We as a family, will continue our family business with the ideals, principles and honesty that our Dad Sam taught us all. He was a wonderful gentleman, and we miss him greatly. Thank you for sharing your part in his life.

~~~ On behalf of the Levitz Family

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Christine McNair (Tellez)

January 1, 2006

My mother worked for Mr. Levitz when the store was on 18th st. Her name was Cha-Cha. She thought very highly of Mr. & Mrs. Levitz. She truly enjoyed being employed by Levitz.

He will be missed.

Len. Camp

December 22, 2005

We also, as a part of the Shar Pei world, extend our sympathy to Lee and the family. May God bless you and hold your hearts in His hand during this time.

Rosie Steinke

December 22, 2005

To Sam and Lee Levitz's, Thank you both for years of freindship,for making all of the Shar-pei world your friends,and making everyone feel special. MY sympathy to the families.

Marilyn Vinson

December 21, 2005

Lee, Many of your Shar-Pei friends are holding you in their hearts. We are so very sorry.

Frank Frana III

December 19, 2005

Please accept my sincere condolences.

F S

December 19, 2005

Sam Levitz was a very smart man. Genius! Let your soul rest in heavenly peace. My condolences go to the levitz family. Keep your head up Andy.

Yolanda Felix

December 19, 2005

thank you for all the years that you and your wife were on TV and made people feel so welcome at your store.You two are family you will be missed highly.Soar like a Eagle sir rest in peace.

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