Williamsburg —Eugene Milton (Buddy) Levin, 91, passed away August 14, 2014 surrounded by his family.
Born on April 14, 1923, he was a lifelong resident of the Peninsula, the last 25 years in Williamsburg.
Buddy grew up in Newport News and was graduated from Newport News High School in 1941. He received his BSE in Mechanical Engineering from Duke University after serving in the United States Navy as Lieutenant (jg) aboard the USS Intrepid during World War II . He returned to Newport News after graduation and was employed by Williams, Coile, and Blanchard as an engineer. He later worked for Lang Construction Company. In 1955, he founded Apex Building Contractors, Inc. and later formed Newport Management Company, Inc.
Buddy was the son of Isadore and Sarah Levin. He and his wife, Betty Allene Nachman, shared 63 years of life and love together. In addition to his wife, Betty, he is survived by his four children Stephen (Christine) Levin, Nancy Levin, David (Beth) Levin, and Ann Levin Lane. He was preceded in death by his brother, Robert Levin, and his son-in-law, Jeffrey Lane. He is also survived by his eight beloved grandchildren: Daniel Levin, Samuel Levin, Matthew Levin, Harrison Levin, Sarah Levin, Robert Levin, Sadye Lane and Hannah Lane.
Buddy lived a life of commitment to the community at large and in particular to the Jewish community and encouraged his children and grandchildren to value education and philanthropy. He demonstrated his leadership in these areas in his service as chairman and longtime board member of the UJA/UJC Annual Campaign; chairman of the board of trustees of the Endowment Fund and vice-president of the Federation of the Virginia Peninsula; vice-president of Rodef Sholom Temple; co-chairman of the National Conference for Christians and Jews; board member of the Beth Sholom Home for the Elderly, and an active member of the Community Relations Council executive committee. In the business community he served on the board of directors of Sovran Bank (now Bank of America); the campaign committee of the Peninsula Nature and Science Center (currently the Virginia Living Museum); and the board of directors of American Health Services Inc. He was active in the Peninsula Literacy Council Advisory board and received the NCCJ Brotherhood Award. He was dedicated and worked tirelessly toward the betterment of the community.
A funeral service was held at Rodef Sholom Temple in Hampton.
Donations: the Endowment Fund of the United Jewish Community of the Virginia Peninsula; An Achievable Dream; or the Virginia Living Museum.