Irving Levy, 79

Irving Levy

WESTMINSTER, COLO. – Irving Joseph Levy, of Westminster (formerly of Indianapolis, Indiana), passed away peacefully with family by his side on March 9.  Irv was born in Rochester, New York on July 14, 1939, and later moved to Indianapolis. He was preceded in death by his parents Sophie and Joseph Levy, immigrants from Monastier, Serbia; sister Dolores Schankerman; and his first wife, Naomi Kraus.

Irv graduated from Shortridge High School in 1957 and received his bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate from Indiana University. Irv lived his life through service to others.

He was on the board of directors for many organizations, including Etz Chaim Congregation, Kiwanis Club of Indianapolis and Arvada, Colorado, and Temple Micah in Denver, Colorado.  He served multiple terms as president and vice president of Etz Chaim, ScoutMaster of Troop 18, Cub Master, and president of the Resident Council of the Covenant Village retirement home in Westminster. Irv was a member of Centre Lodge #23 where he was a 3rd Degree Mason and 32nd Degree Shriner.  Irv received the Boy Scout District Award of Merit, Silver Beaver and Silver Antelope.

Everyone was equal in Irv’s eyes, he treated everyone with love and respect and gave his time freely.  Irv and his wife Elaine spent almost every moment of their retirement cooking for people in need. They cooked thousands of meals for Community Dinner program, Family Promise and the Delores Project at Arvada Methodist Church and for the Homeless Women’s Initiative at Temple Micah.  

Irv is survived by his wife, Elaine Cartwright Levy of Westminster; children, Sharon Levy of Westfield, Indiana, Jeff (Rachel) of Providence; grandchildren, Drew, Heather, Adam and Miriam Levy.

Contributions may be made to Jewish Collaborative Services of Rhode Island, Jewish Community Day School of RI, or Etz Chaim Sephardic Congregation of Indianapolis.