As part of its 170th Anniversary Celebration, Jewish Family Services of Northeastern New York (JFS) will honor Jane & Mark Levine with for their commitment to serving humanity with humility. This honor, the Anschel Weiss Community Builders Award, will highlight the Levines’ long-standing commitment to providing compassionate, professional care to area families as the long-time owners and stewards of the Levine Memorial Chapel in Albany.
Mark Levine began his career in the funeral industry at a young age. When he was not in school, he would often accompany his father, Robert Levine (Bob, of blessed memory), then owner of Levine Memorial Chapel. Mark always knew he wanted to follow in the footsteps of his father.
As Mark matured, he took on more responsibilities, assisting with the transfer of loved ones into the care of the Levine Memorial Chapel. Back then, his friends wondered why he carried a beeper at 16 years old and that he always wore a suit.
In 1992, upon the passing of Bob, Mark assumed ownership of the family business. Jane (Ryan) Levine, a former surgical practice administrator, joined Mark as his father became ill. Together, they picked up the mantle, embracing Bob’s sensitive and respectful manner of working with families in their time of need. After Bob’s passing, Jane joined Mark in a full-time capacity to carry out the operation of the family business.
“He inspired us. We were both honored and privileged to carry on the Levine name and uphold the reputation and integrity of Levine Memorial Chapel,” said Jane and Mark Levine.
The operation of a funeral home is a 24-hour commitment. “We always found it important to personally respond to all phone calls to provide that personal touch. We were totally immersed in our work and grateful that we had the support of each other,” added Jane Levine.
In the past, the Levines found time to volunteer for the Ronald McDonald House and Meals on Wheels and plan to do more in their semi-retirement.
“This is exactly why they are deserving of this award. For over 30 years, Mark and Jane have been the supportive voice to families all over the region. Whether coordinating a local funeral or assisting a family with an out-of-state death, they provided gentle reassurance and critical guidance at a family’s most difficult time,” said Jane Ginsburg, president and CEO of JFS.
The Levines Remain Active and Committed
In July of 2023, Jane and Mark transferred ownership of Levine Memorial Chapel to Frank Simmons, a long-time employee. Despite not being involved in daily operations, they remain invested in the Chapel, to staying local and mostly, to the community. “We want to continue to provide support whenever we can,” said Mark.
“We are fortunate to have served the Jewish community through our work; we’ve been blessed with meaningful friendships and long-lasting relationships,” Jane added.
Now retired, the Levines are finding time to travel and are looking to their volunteer work in the fall. Mark spends some of his spare time relearning Hebrew and he and Jane enjoy time boating. Most importantly, for the first time in many years they can make commitments and actually keep them! “Before, we could barely keep a dental appointment or a dinner reservation,” said Mark.
The JFS Anschel Weiss Community Builders Award
Past recipients of the Anschel Weiss Community Builders award include Marvin A. Freedman, Alan Iselin (z”l), Herman Ungerman, David Alan Miller, Jean Becker, Amy Klein, Fred Erlich, Mara Ginsberg, Chanie Simon, Rabbi Beverly Magidson, The Golub Family, Jerry and Ilene Sykes, Michael Castellana, Steve Lobel, Morris (z”l) and Esther (z”l) Massry, Dr. Mark Sullivan and Representative Michael McNulty.
JFS’s 170th Anniversary
Since 1854, JFS has provided a range of supportive human services throughout the region for people of all ages and all backgrounds. On December 5, 2024, at 6 p.m., JFS will host their “Generations Celebration” at the Times Union Hearst Media Center (645 Albany Shaker Road, Albany). The presenting sponsor is the Massry Family, and the event will honor Mark & Jane Levine and the 2024 community Mensches. There will be live music with Band of Gold and a special musical performance by Cantor Shira Ginsburg. News Anchor Dan Levy will emcee. Guests can bid on silent and online auctions items, enjoy delicious fare catered by 518Kosher and sip on a signature JFS anniversary cocktail. Proceeds will help fund the many critical and free services JFS provides and enable service expansion to meet the community’s growing needs.
Join the celebration! Click here for sponsorships, honorary committee and information. Other questions? Contact JFS: 518-482-8856 or info@jfsneny.org.