Bernard P. Levine (1940-2025)

            Bernard Levine was born in Brooklyn, NY on April 21, 1940, surrounded by numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.  He was the first-born child of Ann and Julius Levine.  Bernie had 2 younger brothers:  Robert and Allen, who he loved very much. When he was 15 the family moved to Woodbridge, NJ, where he attended and graduated Woodbridge High School.  Bernie then earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Farleigh Dickinson University and a master’s degree in psychology from Yeshiva University.

            In the 1960’s, Bernie joined the U.S. Navy.  He spent 8 months serving in Vietnam as a psychologist, counseling soldiers who were coming off the field of battle.  From there, he was onto the U.S. Naval Hospital in St. Albans, NY, for 2 years where he met his future wife of 45 years Michelle Keavney.

            Upon discharge from the Navy in August of 1969, Bernie moved across the country to southern California and set up a new life.  He worked hard as a psychologist while also earning his Ph.D. After 10 years in California, he decided to move back to New Jersey.  He and Michelle married in December of 1979 and had one child, Daniel in February 1982.  Bernie loved being a father and worked hard all his life and provided very well for his family.

            He loved nature. Long, scenic drives and hiking were amongst his favorite activities.  And after marrying Michelle, he learned more about baseball than he ever wanted to.  But he grew to love it, and the Yankees, as his wife and son gave him little choice in the matter.  Bernie was always the sweetest and kindest man that you could ever meet, always putting others above himself.  He loved his family above all else; his wife, Michelle, his son Daniel, his brother and sister-in-law Allen and Marilyn Levine, his niece Elizabeth Levine, and his niece Amy Seff, were the most important people to him.

            A few years back, Bernie was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease.  It was a long, tough battle, and he fought it as hard as he could.  Eventually, he passed after complications with pneumonia and Covid depressed his respiration.  He died on the night of February 23, 2025, under hospice care, and after having lived a rich and full life.  The end was calm and peaceful, surrounded by his family.  He’s no longer in pain and is with the angels now, watching over us all.

*In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you donate to the Michael J. Fox Parkinson’s Research - https://www.michaeljfox.org/