John N. Levi Jr.

John Newmark Levi, Jr. was the great, great grandson of Harris Newmark who came to Los Angeles in 1853 from Prussia (now Poland) to join his brother J.P. Newmark who had arrived five years earlier when the Los Angeles population was only about 1,600; they were two of the first Jews in the City. Among Harris' many accomplishments was founding the first public library, Chamber of Commerce and public utility. He was also instrumental in bringing the railroad to the City of Angels which changed the little pueblo into an important modern city. Additionally, he purchased the land and founded the city of Monrovia which was originally called Newmark and the City of Arcadia which he sold to Lucky Baldwin who went on to build the Santa Anita Race Track. He also sold the land to the City for the current City Hall. Along with his friends and family he was instrumental in the creation of the Wilshire Blvd Temple and Hillcrest Country Club. For his many accomplishments he was declared the Jewish Father of Los Angeles and one of the City's high schools is named in his honor. Both the Museum of History and the Museum of the West have permanent exhibits dedicated to the Newmark family which include some very prominent descendants such as Eugene Meyer who became the first president of the world bank and later fed chair appointed by President Truman and Katharine Graham publisher of the Washington Post of Watergate fame and subject of the Steven Spelberg movie The Post.

Before his successful insurance career, John Newmark Levi, Jr. worked at Capitol Milling Company in downtown Los Angeles, a Newmark family business founded in 1883. At the time it morphed to “Capital Food Company” in 1999, it boasted title of oldest family owned business in Los Angeles.

John was involved with the Jewish Home for the Aging/ L.A.J.H. with his partner of 46 years, Gerrie Wormser; they gave and raised money to enhance the lives of the residents at the Home. John also supported Vista Del Mar, rapture preservation causes and of course, we would be remised if we didn’t mention his two beloved parrots: Ralph, a double yellow head and George, a blue and gold macaw. John helped countless clients, friends and family with excellent financial guidance both in insurance and capacity as a certified financial advisor. As a vet himself John supported Wounded Warriors.

John leaves a sister, 3 children, 1 grandchild, 2 great grandchildren, Gerrie’s children, grand and great grandchildren and many that loved and cherished him.

It is with great comfort his last earthly moments where in complete cognitive function, remarkably calm, content, serene and even a sense of humor intermixed in his last words… he could not have risen above in more graceful, perfect and peaceful way.