Jane, Mark Levine to be honored by Jewish Family Services on Dec. 5.
As part of its 170th anniversary celebration, Jewish Family Services of Northeastern New York (JFS) will honor Jane and Mark Levine. They will be presented with the Anschel Weiss Community Builders Award at the JFS’ “Generations Celebration” at the Times Union Hearst Media Center, 645 Albany Shaker Rd., Albany. The program, on Dec. 5, 2024, at 6 p.m., will highlight the Levines’ compassionate, professional care to area families as the long-time owners and stewards of the Levine Memorial Chapel in Albany and also the 2024 community mensches.
JFS organizers report that Mark Levine began his career in the funeral industry at a young age. When he was not in school, he would often be in the company his father, the late Robert (Bob) Levine, then owner of Levine Memorial Chapel. Mark has said that he always knew that he wanted to follow in the footsteps of his father. As a young man he took on responsibilities for the funeral home, assisting with the transfer of deceased loved ones. Back then, his friends wondered why he carried a beeper at 16 years old and why he always wore a suit, according to Mark.
In 1992, upon the death of Bob, Mark assumed ownership of the family business. Jane (Ryan) Levine, a former surgical practice administrator, had joined Mark as his father became ill. After Bob’s death, Jane joined Mark in a full-time capacity to help operate the family business.
“He inspired us. We were both honored and privileged to carry on the Levine name and uphold the reputation and integrity of Levine Memorial Chapel,” said Jane Levine.
“The operation of a funeral home is a 24-hour commitment. We always found it important to personally respond to all phone calls to provide that personal touch. We were totally immersed in our work and grateful that we had the support of each other,” she added .
The Levines found time to volunteer for the Ronald McDonald House and Meals on Wheels and plan to do more volunteering in their semi-retirement.
“This is exactly why they are deserving of this award. For over 30 years, Mark and Jane have been the supportive voice to families all over the region. Whether coordinating a local funeral or assisting a family with an out-of-state death, they provided gentle reassurance and critical guidance at a family’s most difficult time,” said Jane Ginsburg, president and CEO of JFS.
In July of 2023, Jane and Mark transferred ownership of Levine Memorial Chapel to Frank Simmons, a long-time employee. Despite not being involved in daily operations, they remain invested in the Chapel, to staying local and mostly, to the local community. “We want to continue to provide support whenever we can,” said Mark.
“We are fortunate to have served the Jewish community through our work; we’ve been blessed with meaningful friendships and long-lasting relationships,” Jane added.
Now retired, the Levines are finding time to travel and are looking forward to their volunteer work in the fall. Mark spends some of his spare time relearning Hebrew and he and Jane enjoy time boating. Most importantly, for the first time in many years they can make commitments and actually keep them! “Before, we could barely keep a dental appointment or a dinner reservation,” said Mark Levine.
The December program will also include live music with Band of Gold and a performance by Cantor Shira Ginsburg. News Anchor Dan Levy will emcee. Guests will given an opportunity to bid on silent and online auctions items, enjoy the catering of 518 Kosher and sip on a signature JFS anniversary cocktail. According to organizers, proceeds will help fund the services that JFS provides and enable expansion to meet the community’s growing needs.
Information may be obtained by visiting jfsneny.org/170th, calling 518-516-1102, or e-mailing [email protected].
