Obituary of Ferdinand B. Levison

Obituary Ferdinand B. Levison, 93 years, formerly of Albany, New York, and Miami Beach, Florida, entered into rest in Tucson, Arizona, on June 3, 2010. He attended the Albany Academy, graduating in 1934, and served in the Army Air Corps during WWII, as a cryptographer. He was the owner of Swartz and Levison Shoes in Albany, the nation's first cancellation shoe store. In the mid-70's he moved to Miami Beach, where he retired and began 30 years of volunteer efforts in the city schools, serving as a "Senior Listener". He was recognized for his good work by being awarded the National Volunteer of the Month, receiving the Key to the City of Miami Beach among other honors. He continued his volunteer work in the schools after moving to Tucson through his 88th year. A sportsman, he was an avid golfer and jogged until he was 80 years old. He was devoted to his family, which was the center of his life. He is survived by his children: Kenneth of Rochester, New York, Susan (William) Boyd of Tucson, and Janet (Ron) Erickson of Denver, Colorado; his grandchildren Jennifer (Mark) Raczkowski of Phoenix and Sarah Mauet of Tucson; his great grandson, Nathan Raczkowski; as well as nieces and nephews: Robert (Elaine) Freedman of Albany; David (Lily) Levison and Peggy Levison Nolan of Miami, Florida. He was predeceased by his parents, Ira and Sadie Levison and a brother, Milton S. Levison Jr. as well as a sister, Reba Levison Freedman. We wish to offer heartfelt thanks to his devoted and loving caregivers. Services at the Beth Emeth Cemetery on Turner Lane in Loudonville, NY on Monday June 7, 2010 at 11:00am. Following the service of interment, family and friends are invited to call at the home of Elaine and Robert Freedman. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Casa de la Luz Hospice Foundation , 400 Magee Road, Tucson, AZ 85704.