Maurice "Maury" Levine
October 27, 1929 - October 8, 2022
Maurice "Maury" Levine passed away Saturday, October 8, 2022, in Naples, Florida, after a brief illness.
Maury is survived by his daughter, Joan (Michael) Russell; grandsons, Remy Russell and Isadore "Izzy" Levine; granddaughter, Emma Russell; and close companion for the last four years, Sue Schlessel of Bonita Springs, Florida.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Marcia (Daniel) Levine; daughter, Sandra; and son, Lee Daniel Levine.
He was born to Judge Isadore E. Levine and Rose (Hubar) Levine and lived in the city of La Porte for most of his life. Upon graduation from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Maury returned to La Porte to soon become president of Levine’s, The Boston Store, a family enterprise, originally founded in 1897 in Michigan City, by his grandfather, Morris Levine. Under Maury’s leadership, Levine’s became the signature department store in La Porte. The store also had a site in Crown Point, and several young men’s and women’s fashion shops throughout the northern tier of Indiana, called The Village Scenes.
Maury and his family were devoted to the stores’ operations and their employees became part of the extended Levine family.
Maury and Marcia, married for more than 50 years, pursued many interests, despite their full-time focus on the business. Maury played several roles in La Porte’s Little Theater and explored contemporary art through his avocation of painting.
He and Marcia traveled widely, including to Africa, on safari; Myanmar (then Burma); Peru, where they climbed Machu Picchu; and many American destinations, including New York City, where they enjoyed theater and the arts.
They eventually retired to Naples, Florida, where they enjoyed their La Porte friends who spent winters there. They made many new friends in Naples over the years.
Maury recognized the value of life in a small community of many friends and neighbors. He was a thoughtful member of La Porte’s community, continuing the Levine’s commitment to the arts, higher education, the natural environment, many human service organizations, and the rich history of his hometown. He was also deeply interested in the history of La Porte and received official recognition for his research and publication of the program, “A Few Good Men… and Women…and Then You Have a Community,” detailing the lives of Jewish settlers in La Porte dating from the mid -1800s to the present.
Maury will be dearly missed by many close family and friends. A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held in the spring.
Donations may be made to Sinai Temple, 2800 Franklin St., Michigan City, IN 46360 or a charity of the donor’s choice. Care is provided by Cutler Funeral Home.
Condolences may be shared with the family online at www.cutlercares.com.
