Obituary of Stuart Edwin Levy
Loving spouse, devoted father, caring brother and uncle, and generous friend.
Stu Levy, born in New York, New York to Dave and Betty Levy, died February 27, 2022, in Houston, Texas.
He is survived by his spouse of 50 years, JoAnne Sblendorio-Levy, his son Ian Levy, his sisters Sandy Levy and Sharon Weisman as well as many nieces and nephews.
Stu grew up in New York, attended Parsons Junior High, Forest Hills High School and Queens College of the City University of New York. It was there in the Geology Department of Queens College, working on his Master’s degree, that he met JoAnne.
Stu loved learning. Whether it was a scientific subject or just details about the lives of the people he met, he was always hungry to learn more. As a graduate student, he enjoyed teaching the undergraduate geoscience classes. His sisters, friends and fellow students all benefited from his tutoring, teaching and mentoring skills. Truth be told, several owe the passing of their math and geoscience courses to Stu’s tutoring skills. Upon retirement, Stu volunteered at the local elementary school tutoring the 3rd and 5th graders in math. He loved working with children and seeing their capabilities expanded under his tutelage. Unfortunately, he was forced to stop due to the Pandemic, but if he walked by the school he would often hear the students yelling “Mr. Levy Mr. Levy!!” through the classroom windows. I know that he was able to pass on some of the excitement he felt for the subjects he tutored. In that way a small piece of him will live on.
After school, Stu worked for E.Leitz/Leica Inc. in their Laboratory of Applied Microscopy where he became an expert in optics and light microscopy. He honed his skills in problem solving and customer support and then used those skills as a salesman and sales manager in the US South Central region to help his customers. He was a successful salesman because his customers knew he would be honest with them and find the correct equipment for their intended purpose and then train them how to use it. It was against his nature to try to upsell them for a bigger commission.
Stu would always help when he was needed. Once Ian became involved in the Cub and Boy Scouts, Stu often volunteered his time at whatever task was necessary to make sure his pack or troop ran smoothly. When JoAnne mentioned that their Cub Scout “Pine Wood Derby“ Event was “boring”, Stu revamped it; adding a run-off board with the upcoming matches, various types of food, and making sure the whole pack was involved and entertained. If a chaperone was needed for a campout, he would take time off. When a treasurer was needed for the Troop, Stu volunteered. And he damn well made sure a receipt was turned in for each expense and there was money available for the boys’ camping trips.
Stu was a “walker”. Around the neighborhood, to the grocery store or bank, or even in circles around the den, he would always get his steps in for the day. On his daily walks he met and befriended many in the neighborhood. Stu was also a collector of sports cards and books. These interests led to many lifelong friendships.
It is hard to describe how much his presence will be missed by those he cared for and who cared for him.
Stuart (Stu) Levy
A LIFE WELL LIVED.