The mental health and social service sector has lost one of its greatest leaders, Paul Levine, former CEO of The Jewish Board. It is an honor to pay tribute to Paul, one of New York City's outstanding mental health and social services leaders, who was a guiding light, an amazing mentor and a wonderful friend.   Paul, you mean so much to me that I have internalized your values. You will continue to live within me and the many lives you touched. I extend my deepest condolences to Paul's children, Mark and Alec, and their families. May his memory be a blessing.  I will always love you.

To Alec, Natalie, Mark Heather, and all the grandchildren, 
Bob and I were so saddened to learn of Paul’s passing. I am so grateful that I was able to attend the funeral remotely and to hear all the wonderful comments that everyone shared about Paul’s life and about Paul and Bunny. We miss them both. It’s hard to believe that they’re gone now, but they’re together again. They were blessed to have a wonderful family and you were blessed to have them. We’ve missed Paul for the last several years but now we understand why.
Cherish the memories of all the wonderful times you had as a family.
Sending our love. Viv and Bob Duff.

My condolences to your family,  Paul was a kind and compassionate gentleman and was a good CEO for JB.  May he rest in peace.

Roberto and I are quite saddened by the death of Cousin Paul. As many have already said, he was one of the stalwarts of the Family Circle, to the point that no meeting would have been complete without him.  For those of us who fondly remember those meetings with their myriad debates about cemetery maintenance and unpaid dues--well, we can still hear Paul's sonorous voice attempting to maintain order, as well as make everyone feel welcome. We'll miss him, as we miss all the Harry and Pauline family members no longer with us.

Rest in peace, Paul, and our condolences to all those in your immediate family.

Paul was very important in my professional and personal life. I knew and worked with him in the Jewish communal affairs and behavioral health professional spaces. He was a kind and helpful colleague. He made himself available to me at all times, especially when I needed his wisdom and assistance. Paul was a wise advisor, helper and a good friend.  I am so sorry he is no longer with us. I have no doubt that his memory will be a blessing to all his family, friends and professional colleagues. Rest in peace, dear friend!!!

Dear Alec and family.  We wanted to send our best prayers and kind thoughts.  I can say with certainty that Alec is a wonderful guy and son, telling of how up to the task his father was in bringing him up.  We are saddened to hear the news about Paul and take a path of celebrating his life. God has a glorious place to rest awaiting. 

Steve Gyimesi  (Bucknell Sigma Chi, golf partner, ski buddy and NYC friend to Alec). Scott, Jack and Karen.

Dear Alec & Mark,

Your eulogies were so beautiful and heartfelt! They made me laugh and cry--they were each so You and so Paul! Please tell Jackson that I thought he spoke so lovingly about his Grandpa and made me cry as well. Lenore is lovely and kind. Paul was so blessed.

I am so grateful for the Livestream and so glad I could "be there" to share this time with you all. My love to Heather, Natalie and all the precious  grandchildren. 
Much love and blessings to you all.
Louise

Cousins Paul and Thelma at the b'not mitzvah of cousin's Rae and Jordan. ❤️

Good Morning All
It saddens me to hear about the passing of Mr. Levine. He will truly be missed by me.  I started working for JBFCS  In 1989 and he has always been kind, considerate and helpful to me as an employee. 

My condolences to the family and to JBFCS , it is a great loss.

Sincere thoughts and prayers go out

Mary Ray

I first met Paul in a biology lab as a freshman at CCNY.  He was so friendly and engaging.  I also knew “Bunny” since high school. 
It was always great being around Paul, smart, witty and fun.
My husband and I wish Alec, Mark and their families our heartfelt sympathy. May all your wonderful memories give you comfort.

Love, 
Renée and Charlie

During his long career, Paul was one of the most respected individuals in child welfare and mental health services in NYC and NYS. His opinion on matters was always thoughtful and carried great weight with his colleagues. His focus was always on what was best for those receiving services and the staff doing the work.  He was also great at making lasting relationships with those he worked with.  Shortly after he retired from JBFCS, he pulled together a small group of CEO's he admired  and whose company he enjoyed. We referred to ourselves as the Gang of 9 and met for dinner every few months to break bread, have drinks, talk about the challenges we faced in our work, share stories and enjoy each others company. Paul was always in our conversations even when he could not be present.  We shall miss him dearly!

I was fortunate to work with Paul both in New York and nationally with AJFCA.  I enjoyed talking with him about the various projects we were working on and always valued what he had to say.  My condolences to his family.  May his memory be a blessing.
Jackie Faffer

Our family  didn’t have the privilege of meeting Paul and yet we get to see all of the wonderful qualities people are writing about—altruism, intelligence, integrity, humility, humor, generosity, and love, to name a few—shine through the lives of mark, heather, hannah, max, and olivia here in London (and in the Vermont woods too!!!) xo Eliza,  Steve, and Robert

Paul was a mentor, boss, supporter and a friend for some forty years.. He is  very missed.  Rest in Peace

My condolences to his family.

Paul Levine at an NASW Conference with colleagues

I first met Paul in the mid 1980’s when we were both involved with  implementing  a new  behavioral health program serving children and their families in the public school system. At the time, I was  working in government and Paul at JBFCS . Little did I realize  that we would be working together at JBFCS ten years later and Paul would be my supervisor.
      In my early days at JBFCS  Paul was instrumental  in mentoring me during my adjustment  to the nonprofit sector and especially with my initial interactions with Board members. . 
    Our supervisory meetings not only focused on service delivery issues, but also on  our kids, our roles as little league coaches and  being supportive fathers.  I quickly recognized and appreciated Paul’s attention to the human side of human services  
       Throughout the time we have known each other, Paul has always remained client centered. Participating with him in case reviews was like taking a master class in clinical training. His focus and priority were always on treating each client as an individual with special needs and challenges. The  lessons I learned from him have forever shaped my approach to  service delivery.
   I also recall that Paul was also a fierce champion of diversity, equity and inclusion within JBFCS both in its recruitment practices and  also with respect to providing  ongoing  training  for clinical staff  based on their  cultural needs and background.
   On a personal note, during my time at JBFCS, Paul introduced me to my wife Laraine and opened for me a level of personal happiness beyond anything I ever imagined possible.
     At this sad time I wish to extend my condolences to Paul's family, and  my love to his sons Alec and Mark who worked tirelessly to ensure Paul received the best care possible during these past challenging  years.
      I would like to close by simply saying
             Thank you Paul for everything..
               I will miss you.
               Rest in Peace
 Love
 Don

Cousin Paul was such a cherished member of the Harry and Pauline Family circle, and one of my true favorites(as was your mom)… We are sending you love and condolences at this difficult time Robin LeVine (Hesh LeVines’s daughter) and Kyra and Andrew

Dear Mark, Alec, Heather & Natalie,
My heartfelt condolences to you all on the very sad loss of Dad.  Paul was a dear friend for many years who I will remember always with love and admiration. I will never forget his kindness and caring during my time of need. He was truly a very special man.

Much love and blessings to you all,
Louise Ornstein 💜

My condolences to you for your loss.  I worked with Paul when I was on the AjFCA board and  always valued his input and support for many many years.  May his memory be a blessing to all who knew him.  He was a friend to everyone he had contact with,

Regards
Larry Reader

Sending deepest condolences to the family. Paul was a real mensch. Very sad to hear of his death.

Eve Leibowitz

I went to PS53 with Paul and then to junior high school 22 in the S.P's and then to Bronx Science and then to City college.  It was good to connect at some of the reunions. So sad.

Marty Gottlieb

Paul and I went to PS53 together and then to junior high school 22 together in the S.P.'s and then Bronx Science together and then CCNY together.  It was good to see him at one or two of our reunions and be able to connect.  Very sad.

Marty Gottlieb

I join all my Jewish Board colleagues in expressing deep sorrow on learning of Paul Levine's death.   His steady, principled leadership, thoughtful, sensitive collegiality, commitment to serving all people with compassion and justice, and his precious ability to insert humor into difficult moments touched my life as it did that of so many staff, community members, and civic and religious leaders.  May his spirit continue to inspire us and may warm memories, over time, be a source of deep comfort and strength to his surviving family and friends.

Paul was the only reason I left NYS government and transitioned to the nonprofit sector. He saw something in me that I'm not sure I saw in myself and brought me to the Jewish Board. I realized that Paul had a strong sense of discovering new talent, and equity and his tenure both at the Jewish Board and his impact in the human services sector has been significant.  He was my boss, colleague, mentor, and friend.  Be well and RIP

Paul was a dear dear friend for over 45 years. There are so many things about Paul that I will miss- his insight, humor, intelligence and kindness. My sincerest condolences to his wonderful family- so sorry for your loss.
Robin Brinn

BERNARD FLORES
Home Health Aide

To : Alec and Natalie  
         Mark and Heather 
         And Grand Kids

Life with Paul for almost seven years has been more than just a job, it was learning of kindness, respect, commitment, compassion, professionalism and absorbing his thoughts of wisdom. He was a father to me. 

We shared lots of fun together and can't remember he scolded or reprimanded me on something. We both lived in contentment and understanding each other.

The last visit I had in his facility really struck me emotionally, that inspite of his condition he upon seeing me yelled my name on top of his voice - Bernie-  tried to stabilize himself and hugged me tight , teary eyed and said I miss you!!!

To Alec, Mark and family,  my heartfelt sympathy and condolences for Paul's passing, he is right now in a better place. 

Thank you so much for trusting me in taking care of Paul, our relationship guys contributed a lot of my service the best way i did as a whole. 

" So sadly missed, so fondly remembered "

Bernie

As Tenafly neighbors and friends  of the Levine family and as a professional collegue of Paul our condolences to Mark and
Alec and families.  Paul was a model of generosity and
leadership in his personal and professional life and will be missed by all who knew him. 

We greatly admire the Levine family for rallying to the care of
Paul these past few years.

Love, 
Dan, Lydia and Alex Still

I am so proud to have been related to Paul, he exemplified the BEST a person could be!
He and I were the youngest of the first generation, american-born cousins of the Harry & Pauline Family Circle, & felt a special kinship.
Like his father before him, he would always embrace me at family meetings & make me feel so special!
I grieve his loss
Love
alice Dzen Gross

I’m so sorry to hear of Paul’s death. I worked with him at the Jewish Board, where he built a tremendous legacy and shared so much. Wishing your family peace and connection.

Sending love and strength to all. Our entire family has incredible memories with Paul and Ethel and of course, Alec and Mark and their  amazing families. Paul was a very good man who was interested in others and optimistic about possibilities. We were blessed to know him. Love,  Lew, Bobbie, Tamara, Sam and Alana Frankfort

To the family of Paul Levine,

I will never forget Paul's generosity.  He took the time to "open the door" for my then-teenaged son to gain employment within JBFCS. 

With warmest sympathy,
Jennifer Crumpley, LCSW-R

Paul was a great uncle and I will miss him.

From our days in Tenafly, we remember Paul. From our time coaching and serving youth sports, we remember Paul. From our evenings together with he and Ethel, we remember Paul. From his leadership at the JBFCS, we remember Paul. From his last years with Lenore, we remember Paul. He will be missed. 

Allan and Sharyn Bauer

Paul is an amazing human being and an extraordinary leader.  He has been missed and now gone. 

Sending condolences to his family. May there be some comfort knowing that he now rests with his beloved wife.

Peace to Paul on his journey.

Respectfully
Sandy Bernabei

Paul was a surrogate father to me and my siblings. He was a kind, brilliant, and special man who made all of our lives better. We will miss him always. Alec and Mark are our brothers, and we are so grateful to have the Levine family in our lives.

Paul and I met while we both ran mental health clinics for the Children’s Aid society in Harlem…he recruited me to the Jewish Board where we spent more than 25 years  together loving the work and our PRECIOUS agency . He was my colleague, my boss, my advocate and my friend…I often describe him as one of the smartest clinicians and administrators I have ever known…I sooo loved him and truly value the special role that he played in my career…he will forever hold a special place in my heart.
Mary Pender Greene

Paul was a wonderful colleague and friend for many years. I could count on him for his integrity, good judgement, sound advice, and general caring. I have such good memories of him, both professional and personal. They don't make such fine gentlemen anymore.

To the family of Paul, I wish to send my deepest condolences. I was so very sorry to hear that he passed away. Paul was a very kind man, and during the 16 years that I was able to work with him, never was there a cross word; he was always pleasant.  I hope all the  fond memories you all share will bring a measure of comfort when you reflect on his life and legacy. 

Sabrina Rollerson
(The Jewish Board)

OBITUARY

Paul Levine

June 30, 1945 – March 21, 2024

Bernheim-Apter-Kreitzman Suburban Funeral Chapel

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