Robert Levinson Obituary (1925 – 2022) – Fort Lauderdale, FL

Levinson, Robert Edward of Delray Beach Robert Edward “Bob” Levinson was a man of many interests and passions. A leader in business, philanthropy and civic affairs, Mr. Levinson died on February 19, 2022, a month before his 97th birthday. Bob was born on March 12, 1925 in Cincinnati, Ohio. Son of Al and Goldye Levinson. Mr. Levinson has lived an incredible life surrounded by his family and friends who relied on his guidance and counsel in a wide range of matters. He graduated from the University of Miami (Ohio) in 1950 after serving in the US Navy during World War II. He served in the Navy from July 1943 to May 1946 as an assistant fire chief at Naval Station Alameda in California. He was only 19 when he got the mission. Bob has enjoyed a long and varied career spanning over 70 years in management, marketing and leadership roles at all levels of the business. Among the highlights: as president of Steelcraft Manufacturing Company, a leading manufacturer of steel doors and frames. He grew the business to include 14 other companies. After selling Steelcraft to American Standard Inc., Bob stayed on to serve as Group Vice President leading 12 companies employing some 3,000 employees. During this period, he founded REL Enterprises. The company owned and operated two Holiday Inns in Broward County and a Sheraton in Boca Raton, along with other restaurants and real estate. Mr. Levinson’s business advice was sought after by individuals and businesses. He was a former director of Pointe Bank and Florida Coast Bank and a regular contributor of articles to the US government’s Small Business Administration. Not one to believe in retirement, Bob then embarked on a 25-year career as a senior development officer for Lynn University in Boca Raton. He was also very proud of his writing; publishing five management books with titles such as “Super Savvy” and “The Anti-Retirement Book”. Bob was a passionate believer in community service and philanthropy and served on numerous non-profit boards, including President of Palm Beach County United Way and Vice President of the Boca Museum of Art. He has also served on the Palm Beach County Tourism Development Board and the Board of Directors for the International Vacation Inn Association. He was also extremely active in the greater Cincinnati area. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather who valued his family’s accomplishments. He was a lifelong learner with an inquisitive mind and a keen interest in history, politics, current affairs and world affairs. After losing his beloved wife of 62 years Phyllis, he found love late in life with Zelda Luxenberg. They chronicled their romance in a book “Full Circle: A Love Story”. Bob was generous, kind, intelligent and in love with people, knowledge and life. He enriched and delighted all who met him. He leaves behind his beloved partner Zelda of 12 years, his two sons Jon (Lori) and James (Pam), six grandchildren Loren, Jamie, Jodi, Phillip, Jay and Alex and nine great-grandchildren Olivia , Jack, Mack, Ford, Mia, Valentina, Victoria, Parker and Jonas. Funeral services are private. Donations in Mr. Levinson’s memory can be made either to the Palm Beach County Food Bank (https://www.pbcfoodbank.org), United Way of Palm Beach County (https://www.unitedwaypbc.org), Lynn University (https://www.lynn.edu/giving), or a charity of your choice.