Jeff was born in 1941 to Shirley and Phillip Levy of Rochester, New York. His family moved to the suburb of Brighton in 1950, where his lifelong passions for sports, service, and cars began. His father was an electrician who instilled a strong work ethic in Jeff from a young age. A proud graduate of Brighton High School (1957-1959), Jeff excelled in varsity football, track, and baseball. He balanced his studies with jobs as a newspaper delivery boy, an apprentice electrician, and a sales clerk at a local drug store. His love for cars and drag racing blossomed during these years.
In 1959, Jeffrey attended the University of Michigan before transferring to the U.S. Air Force Academy, where he made the Dean's List each year. He was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship upon Academy graduation in 1964 and pursued advanced studies in economics and international relations at the University of Stockholm, Sweden. His time there was marked by academic success and a passion for racing sports cars and skiing.
Jeff began his distinguished Air Force career training to become a fighter pilot at Williams Air Force Base, Arizona. He met his future wife, Gittan, during this assignment. Their daughter, Karina, was born in Sweden during Jeff's deployment to the Vietnam War. His children Annika and Jonathan, (deceased), were born during Jeff's overseas assignments.
Jeff's military service took him worldwide, from three tours of combat missions in Southeast Asia to strategic planning roles at the Pentagon. He served with distinction, earning numerous awards including three Distinguished Flying Crosses and a Bronze Star. His leadership roles in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, his time as the Department of Defense Representative and Military Fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, and the successful completion of extremely challenging assignments showcased his unwavering commitment to his country.
Colonel Jeffrey Levy retired from the Air Force in 1988, and transitioned into a successful civilian executive career in business, leading several companies and contributing to several industries. His business acumen was matched by his passion for community service, particularly after the tragic loss of his son, Jonathan, to a motor vehicle accident in 1997. He devoted his later years to preventing underage drinking and drunk driving, serving as Chair of the Fairfax County Oversight Committee on Drinking and Driving. He was the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Virginia College Parents, Inc, former Director of the Washington Regional Alcohol Program (WRAP), and served on the national board of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD). He was also involved in military service and veterans organizations, including the USAFA Alumni Association.
Jeff and Donna met in 2007 and traveled visiting many friends and places together, hosted years of family get-togethers, and lived a life of love and adventure. They were married in 2023 after a long engagement and spent their final years together at Falcons Landing. He was a devoted father and husband who always put his family first, ensuring everyone always felt supported and cared for. His love, generosity, and unwavering commitment to his extended family were hallmarks of his character, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
Jeffrey is survived by his wife Donna, his daughters Karina and Annika Levy, his grandchildren Jackson and Ava Goodman, his son-in-law Grady Goodman, and step daughter Kelly Citrin, his sister Bunny Shestack, and many cherished friends and colleagues. He will be remembered for his deep dedication to his country, family, and community.
A memorial service and visitation will be held from 11 am to 3 pm on October 6th, at Demaine Funeral Home in Fairfax, VA. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the National Veteran's Foundation in honor of Jeff's legacy of service.
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