LEVEY
Burton N. Levey, 95, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family in Jupiter, Florida on Sept. 26, 2012. Born March 22, 1917 in New Haven, he was the son of the late Philip and Anna (Shapiro) Levey.  While still a young boy, Mr. Levey’s father died and he went to work to help support his family. He earned a baseball scholarship to the University of Alabama, where he was able to complete both his undergraduate and law degrees simultaneously.
Mr. Levey returned to New Haven to join his cousin’s law practice. In 1939, he met Diane Goldman, a legal secretary who would later become his wife.
In 1942, he joined the U.S. war effort by enlisting in the Army Air Corps, where he served as a Captain in the 356th Fighter Group based in England. His distinguished service as a combat intelligence officer earned him several medals and decorations, including the Victory Medal, the American Theater Campaign Ribbon, a Distinguished Unit Citation with one oak leaf cluster and the European Theater Ribbon with six battle stars. After returning home from the war, he switched to a career as a publisher of comic books and music magazines, including Hit Parade, Song Hits and Country & Western Roundup. While serving as a director of the Grand Ole Opry, he created the title for “Pick Me Up On Your Way Down” which Patsy Cline made into a hit. In the 1960s, Mr. Levey again changed careers, establishing Levey, Miller, Maretz, a successful real estate brokerage company that remains active in the Greater New Haven area. He served as a leader in many organizations over his lifetime, including president of the Woodbridge Country Club, president of the New Haven Jewish Home for the Aged, and on the Board of Directors of the Jewish Community Center of Greater New Haven. He was a strong supporter of Christian Community Action, St. Ann’s Soup Kitchen, The Community Soup Kitchen, Jewish Federation and other New Haven organizations serving the needy. With his wife, he established The Burton and Diane Levey Fund for the Needy, which distributed heaters during the freezing winters to New Haven residents who could not afford to heat their homes. He rose from his bed during the night on many occasions to personally deliver heaters and other life necessities to those in need. Mr. Levey was an avid golfer and bridge player and a fan of the New York Times crossword, which he completed easily. He was a member of B’nai Jacob Synagogue of Woodbridge, where he lived before moving to Palm Beach; and a former member of the New Haven Board of Realtors, the Connecticut Bar Association, and the Quinnipiac Club. In addition to his wife of 69 years, Mr. Levey is survived by his daughter Patricia Lebow of Palm Beach, Fla.; his son and daughter-in-law John Levey (Cindy) of Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.; grandchildren James Levey, Amanda Lebow and Scott Levey (Julie); nephew Peter Panthauer of Connecticut; and other beloved family members.His sister Selma Panthauer and his son-in-law Alan Lebow predeceased him.Graveside service was private.  Quattlebaum Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Kids’ Dreams, Inc. PO Box 3947 West Palm Beach, Fla. 33402.