Ralph Levin, 95

Longtime Hewlett resident was passionate about community service.

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The youngest of four children born to Russian immigrants who came through Ellis Island around 1908, Ralph Levin grew up in the South Ozone Park section of Queens and later lived in Hewlett for 61 years with wife, Cookie.

Levin died on Jan. 9. He was 95.

Born on Oct. 23, 1923, he attended Public School 100 and graduated from John Adams High School in 1941. Shortly after World War II broke out he joined the United States Navy and served two years. He then served another two years in the Army. He dreamed of joining his older brother, Abraham, who was known as Al, in London, but remained stateside as an employment specialist stationed mainly at the Kings Point Merchant Marine Academy.

After his discharge from military service, Levin attended Brooklyn College, where he met Edwina “Cookie” Ettinger. They were married in 1950 and remained so for 67 years. Cookie died in July 2017 at 89.

His son David Levin, said his father “loved community service” and was a Mason, a volunteer auxiliary policeman, a synagogue member and a U.S. Census leader.

The substantial amount of travel he had to do for his career cut into his time to develop hobbies or long-term affiliations with organizations, David said. Levin was rep for carpet mills in New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

He retired in 1988 to his home on Raymond Place. Later on, the Levins moved to Easthampton, Mass., to downsize their lifestyle and be nearer to their daughter, Dr. Joanne Levin, and son-in-law Dr. John Joelson, of Northampton, Mass.

Levin is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, and son David Levin of Great Neck, grandchildren Michael Levin, Rya Hollander, Jacqui Kluge and Sarah Joelson; and many beloved nieces, nephews and their families.

A funeral service was held at Boulevard-Riverside Chapel in Hewlett on Jan. 11. He was interred at Mt. Ararat Cemetery in Farmingdale.