Alfred Bernard Levine

The family of Alfred Bernard Levine is saddened to announce his passing early in the morning of Monday, December 20, 2021, at the age of 94. He was born in Yonkers, New York on October 23, 1927 to Abraham and Sadie Levine. Al lost his father when he was just seven years old and he and sister, Toby, were raised by their mother with assistance from her brother, Uncle Louie. He was preceded in death by his wife, Esther, of 66 years and his granddaughter, Rachel. He is survived by his son, Mel and his wife Paulette, his two grandsons, Andrew and his wife Corinna, and Derek and his wife Ellen, along with his four great grandchildren, Grady, Gabriel, Madelyn, and Thomas. Al is also survived by a number of nieces and nephews although he always considered them as his additional grandkids. Raised and schooled in Yonkers, Al graduated high school and soon after enlisted in the United States Army at Fort Dix, New Jersey in 1946 and was ultimately stationed at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas in 1947. He attended the USO club most weekends as he loved to dance to live music. One such night, he asked a pretty brunette to dance whose name was Esther Gelfond. After just one dance, Esther, who had come to the USO with her sister Helen, told her that she was going to marry that man because he could really dance. She was right as Esther and Al were engaged within six months and married in February of 1949. In February of 1951, they had their only child, a son named Mel. After his discharge from the Army, Al began a career as a salesman and store manager for several men's clothing stores in San Antonio, Port Arthur, Lake Charles, Louisiana and Houston. In Houston, Al worked for Mr. Z's, Harold Powell, Joseph A. Banks, Dillard's, and Lee Martin's. He had a distinguished career of more than sixty years in the business before retiring in his mid-80's. There would be times through the years that people would approach Al and his family in a restaurant and say hi to him and tell him they remembered him outfitting their son for his Bar Mitzvah weekend, even twenty to forty years after the fact. He could take one look at a prospective customer and tell him what size suit, what size sleeve length, and what length inseam they would need. Al has always been fondly remembered by his customers for his warmth, humor, and kindness. After his wife's death in 2015, Al moved to the Village of Tanglewood where he made new friends and remained quite social. His health took a turn in 2018, when he was diagnosed with pre-Parkinson's but he wouldn't allow his tremors to slow him down. However, in 2020 Al began requiring home care assistance from Open Heart Care Network as his symptoms increased. He received invaluable care from Natalie and Melva, his two favorite care providers. His relationship with these two ladies turned into a true friendship of mutual warmth and respect. The Village's Mary Broussard also had a piece of Al's heart, due to her compassion and concern. Plus, Mary surprising Al with a tasty milkshake, now and then, got her some bonus points. Al's last family outing was this past Thanksgiving with a gathering of the Levine's, the Wolf's, the Carstensen's, the Pauly's, and the Macklin's. Al considered all families as his family and thoroughly enjoyed the afternoon. Less than a month later, he passed away peacefully in his sleep. In writing this about my Dad, I am comforted by the number of family, friends, and acquaintances who have reached out to my wife and I with their condolences and kind thoughts. I can honestly tell you that every single person who has done so since he has passed has echoed these very same feelings about Dad: He was a joy to be around, he was always upbeat, he made them feel special, he was always kind and caring, and they all respected and loved him. I totally agree with all of them. He was the best father I could have ever had, I love him and always will, and he was my best friend. My Dad was a mensch, in the true sense of the word! May he dance again with my Mom in paradise, and may he forever rest in peace. A graveside service was held at Emanu El Memorial Park. Rabbi Roy Walter and Cantor Vadim Tunitsky officiated. To view a recording of the service please use the following link: https://vimeo.com/660515457 In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Al's memory to Congregation Emanu El Becker Early Childhood Scholarship Fund, Clergy's Good Works fund or Texas Children's Hospital's Charity Care fund.

Alfred Bernard Levine

October 23, 1927 - December 20, 2021