Lee Daniel Levine, 63, passed away on Friday, September 9, 2022, in Brooklyn, New York, after a brief illness. 

   

He was born in La Porte, IN, on September 21, 1958 to Maurice Levine and the late Marcia (Daniel) Levine.  Lee is survived by his son, Isadore "Izzy" Levine; sister, Joan (Michael) Russell; nephew, Remy Russell; and niece, Emma Russell.  He was preceded in death by his mother and sister, Sandra.

 

Lee graduated from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, the third generation of Levines to do so.  He majored in literature and was awarded the distinguished Hopwood Award for Writing at the university.  His love of all sports led him to publish his 1988 book, Bird, The Making of an American Sports Legend, a best seller, chronicling the life of NBA basketball star, Larry Bird, and the Indiana basketball culture.  Printed in half a dozen languages, the book sold well around the world, both in hardback and paperback. 

 

Upon graduation, Lee became a high school English and literature teacher.  He taught in high schools in New York, Miami, and New Jersey.  Lee also worked with high school theater productions and coached basketball.  In 2012, Lee founded Ideal College Guidance, where he worked one on one with students to help them find the right college to suit their wishes, educational, and career goals.  Lee's students came from all over the United States and many European countries.  He loved and excelled at his work and forged meaningful relationships with students and their families.

 

He was an adoring father, stopping at nothing to give Izzy every opportunity possible.  Lee and Izzy fully embraced the variety and vibrancy of New York City, exploring activities such as Izzy's martial arts pursuits at nationally competitive levels.  Father and son enjoyed the huge array of ethnic food and music, attended sports events, especially tennis, explored toy and bookstores, and rode and memorized virtually every stop and line of the New York Subway System.

 

At La Porte High School, Lee enjoyed much success on the debate and tennis teams.  No surprise then, that he was a brilliant conversationalist, with enthusiasm for all things intellectual.  He was a fervent follower of politics, music, all sports, and the contemporary book scene.

 

Lee will be dearly missed by many close, loyal friends with whom he communicated often over numerous years, despite great distance.

 

The family of Lee Daniel Levine regrets to inform you that the memorial service and interment for him has had to be postponed indefinitely due to family illness.

 

Thank you in advance for your understanding at this very sad time.

 

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