Heritage Florida Jewish News - Central Florida's Independent Jewish Voice

Leonard (Len) Levine, 72, passed away on Monday, Feb. 29, 2016 at his home in Orlando. He was born in Trenton, N.J., on March 20, 1943, to proud parents Irving and Clare Levine. They later moved to Oakhurst, N.J., where they welcomed Len’s baby sister, Barbara, or as he called her, “Boo,” and became a close family of four. Len’s positivity, charm and wit quickly made him many lifelong friends at Oakhurst Grammar School and Asbury Park High School. He continued on to Wake Forest University, subsequently transferring to Monmouth University to complete his premedical studies. He received his medical degree from the University of Bologna. His classes were taught in Italian and after becoming fluent in his new language, he affectionately became known as Leonardo by his close friends.

Len completed his internship at Beth Israel Hospital in Newark. He then trained at Orlando Regional Medical Center in both general and plastic surgery. Len stayed in Orlando to pursue his life’s work as a practitioner and teacher in the field of plastic surgery, rising to the level of department chief at Orlando’s Lucerne Hospital. He retired from active practice in 2008.

In addition to being a renowned surgeon and member of the Medical Corps in the Air Force Reserve, Len Levine was a truly extraordinary person. He was the most genuine of human beings, loved by everyone. His kindness, warmth, laughter and humor will be missed by all. He dedicated his life to making the lives of those around him better, especially his family.

Dr. Levine was preceded in death by his mother, Clare. He is survived by his 95-year-old father, Irving Levine and wife, Rose, of Boca Raton, Florida; his daughter, Thea Rebecca Kovarik, her husband, Matt; his two granddaughters, Ava and Mila; his sister, Barbara Laufer, her husband, Dr. Sam Laufer of Fair Haven, N.J.; his three nephews Michael, David and James; his niece, Kate Laufer Gorenstein, her husband, Jeffrey; and his great nephew, Will. Len is also survived by his partner in life, Carla DeLoach, with whom he experienced love, laughter, and many adventures. They shared a passion for their travels, antiques, Downton Abbey, bird hunting, art collecting, and football.

Dr. Levine’s spirit and generosity will continue on through his alma mater, Monmouth University, where he established an academic scholarship in his name. Donations in his honor can be made to his scholarship fund at Monmouth University or to The Orlando Health Foundation.

A memorial service was held at Beth Shalom Memorial Chapel with Rabbi Arnold Siegel officiating. Arrangements entrusted to Beth Shalom Memorial Chapel. 640 Lee Road, Orlando 32810.