Gates, NY: On Sunday, December 6th 2020, Donald Levinson passed away at age 84. Predeceased by his mother Thelma, father Harold and sister (Judy Bates). Forever missed by his surviving wife Diane, sons Keith and Kevin, and his Daughter Kimberly (Greene). (4) grandchildren, Nathaniel, Nicholas, Jacob and Jeffery (Greene) and (4) great grandchildren.
Don was a graduate of RIT, he enjoyed boating, bowling, golfing, hiking and family gatherings.
A celebration of life, in his memory will be held for him by his family at a later date. Rest in peace, our beloved.
I lost my beloved father on December 6th 2020. He was 84 years old, I wasn’t ready for him to go, or to let him go. If you had known my dad, you wouldn’t have wanted to lose him, either. The past few days have been hard. Harder than I imagined. From the moment of my brother’s call—”Dad is gone“—I feel like I’ve been swimming through a dense fog, searching for islands of peace in an ocean of grief and uncertainty. This is not how my dad would have wanted me to feel. He would be lovingly encouraging me to find my way back to happiness. So, Dad, this is for you…and for me.
I told my father that in the game of life, I don’t know how I got so lucky to win him as my dad. He was a unique combination of strength and gentleness, with compassionate toward all, always ready to lend a hand, or a hug and with a deep, unwavering love for family and friends. He was also fun to be around. His zest for life, his hilarious storytelling, his quirky mannerisms, and his genuine interest in everyone he encountered made everyone fall in love with him. Dad, you are first and foremost my father, my best friend, fishing buddy and my mentor. Rest in Peace my beloved father.
Your loving son,
Kevin
Rest in Peace Dad ( Donny) I’ll surely miss calling you and our little joke of me saying Donny How are you. I’ll always remember you having my kids call you Uncle Donny instead of Grandpa . All the boats and fishing . I’ll also never forget the many many times we went bowling and tried out on Saturday hoping to qualify for the weekly tournament. And also the encouragement you gave me ,Kevin and all the kids in the neighborhood on playing baseball whether telling us technic or just playing catch . I had several friends since your passing telling me how they always thought it was Great the way you would play catch and just spend time with us I will miss you dearly and hope you can finally rest and just sit back on that sail boat in the sky P. S. if the boat gets wet don’t worry about it. Love you always your first born Keith
My dear cousin (our fathers were brothers),
We weren’t young together (you were older!) but I was always glad when our mothers consented to let me stay overnight at your house with Judy. You and Normie would fly in and out (as teenaged boys do) and I would be able to get a hug from you (the handsomest teenager I’d ever seen.) To see you at the family reunions over the years was so much fun….you were always participating in either one ball, dart or horseshoe match or another…so full of life. You were a loving brother to Judy…..you recalled only happy times at her memorial…..painting a vivid picture of her ice cream cone dripping down her arms. And how lovingly you spoke of Diane…..your partner, your friend and caretaker who loved you enough to trip to Foxy’s in Henrietta for your lunch and who put the icing on your clock collection by finding you a grandfather clock! And your kids!!!!! To hear them talk…..they adored you. Yes, Ishkabibble, you definitely did lots of things right. We will all miss you but wow! What loving memories we have to cherish.
Peace be with you,
Your cousin, Sheila (Shirley Temple}
My sincere condolences Diane, Keith, Kevin, Kim and your families. You were truly blessed to have such a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather. May you find peace in your beloved memories of him and the times you enjoyed as a family.
I have known Don my entire life. He has always treated me like one of his own children. It has been a long time since I’ve seen him, but have thought of him often. I know Kim, Keith and Kevin are missing him immensely and I will also miss seeing him through their shares. RIP. Don ( second dad) ❤️
Daddy;
I miss you so much! I miss hearing your sweet voice call out……Kimmie! Or more recently in the morning……..Willow………where us my little Willy Weewee. You taught me so much in life! Between how to be a strong independent thinking women to knowing how to sail a boat on Lake Ontario. Some things came natural from you like my caring heart, sensitivity, hard working ethics, the strength to try anything at least once and artistic abilities. Even when I didn’t feel worthy of the best, you always were there to remind me that I only deserve the best! Often you would express how you wished you would have been a better father and grandfather like Keith……well where do you think he learned that from?! Although our family have all had our struggles through the years you taught us that if we wanted something in our life not only did we have to work hard for it but we had to work hard to take care of it and appreciate what we do have! Even if things didn’t come easy, we need to be grateful for what we have and enjoy life while we can! There are still so many things I want to say to you and need to say to you! I know I often told you I loved you but I wish I could tell you that you were and are the best dad! You are all the good things in all 3 of us kids! You taught us that it is ok to be silly even if it wasn’t always an appropriate time! I am grateful for the time we spent together recently and that you and Willow (my little dog) bonded so well and she brought you peace and happiness! Selfishly I wish I had more time with you! Until we meet again I will hold you close inside my heart! That little bright warm spot I always had for you! I love you and miss you daddy! Your lil KimL●
This was perfect! He raised a hero of a mother, as part of a trio of amazing kids. Growing up, it sometimes felt as if Mel Brooks was writing the screen play to certain family functions. …uh…in a good way! Levinsons are tough, unusually funny, and stubborn people. I guess that’s why he had to fake us out a few times before saying the final goodbye. …just stubborn & in love with his family. I love you!!!