Don Levy celebrated for his devotion to students and the performing arts

Donald Levy was many things: a dedicated husband and proud father; a respected teacher; an actor; writer; poet; and a devout Christian. Levy, who died in 2006, is remembered for his passion for people, particularly his students.

Donald Levy

"He took an interest in his students and always got involved in people's lives," said Don Levy's son, Ken Levy. "He went above what a normal teacher would do."

For his contributions to the community in education, Donald Levy is being named to the Lodi Community Hall of Fame.

Other inductees this year include: Jerald Kirsten for his work with city government; Phil and Daphne Felde for community service; Leonard Thompson for his service in agriculture; Larry Hansen for community service; and Ole Mettler for community service.

In his lifetime, Levy found several careers. While teaching drama at Lodi and Tokay high schools, he directed school and community plays and served on the Lodi Arts Commission. During his summer breaks from school, he acted in Sam Peckinpah films, including "Bring Me the Head of Alfredo Garcia" and "Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid." After retiring from teaching, he pastored Faith Fellowship in Lodi.

Don Levy's excitement for education was rooted in his years as a theater student at California State University, Fresno. He later earned a master's degree from University of Southern California, where he was roommates with Peckinpah.

"Don, himself, thought that he just came alive when he went to college," said his widow, Delores Levy. "That's where he found drama."

Don Levy got his first job teaching at Lodi Unified High School. Only seven years older than most of his students, he was able to connect to them on a closer level.

"He understood teenagers," she said. "He liked giving the kids confidence."

It was in the midst of his first years of teaching and directing that Don and Delores Levy married.

The story of how his Jewish father and German mother married in 1953 is a favorite for Ken Levy. Because World War II has just ended, the couple decided to make things simple and elope.

Lodi Community Hall of Fame dinner and program

When: Oct. 13. 5:30 p.m. cocktails, 7 p.m. dinner, 8 p.m. program
Where: Boys and Girls Club, 275 Poplar St.
Tickets: $45
Sponsor: Lodi Boys and Girls Club
Dress: California casual
Information: 334-2697

"After they got married in Stockton, they got a burger and shake and then my dad went back to school to direct that night's play," Ken Levy said. "They honeymooned later in the week."

Apparently, burger, shakes and theater are a combination for marital success. Together, they had four children, 10 grandchildren, and were married until he died.

Growing up in the Levy household was always interesting. Ken Levy's favorite moments with his father were the times they spent alone.

"One thing he did that I really appreciated is that he always tried to go on a one-on-one vacation with each of his kids," Ken Levy said.

The vacations ranged from trips to the Bay Area to watching Don Levy's favorite film, "The Godfather," at the Sunset Theater.

During the summer months, Don Levy would pack up his suitcase and head to Southern California, where he would star in Peckinpah films and TV shows, including "Gunsmoke," "Have Gun Will Travel" and "The Rifleman." He was a ghostwriter for Peckinpah and worked with people like Bob Dylan and Kris Kristifferson.

Even though he spent a large amount of time on professional film sets, Lodi always remained his home.

As arts commissioner, Levy helped establish a Lodi Drama Fest in the mid-1990s and wrote and directed an original play titled "Partly Plautus."

In the 1980s, Levy put his compassion and spirituality into the small church he pastored in Lodi. Even in death, Don Levy wanted people to know that the most important thing to him before he died was his belief in God.

Like so many of his theater productions, Levy wrote a detailed script for his funeral. It entailed who would speak, what they would say, and when they would say it. Ken Levy found significance in the autobiography that was written by his father.

"He didn't talk at all about his family. He didn't mention my mom, the kids or the grandkids. There was nothing to do with his movies," Ken Levy recalled. "Everything he wanted me to say was about his relationship with Christ."

But for today's students, Don Levy would have a specific message.

"I'm sure that Don would advise students to study hard and make plans for their future," Delores Levy said, noting how proud he would have been of their own children.

Contact reporter Lauren Nelson at laurenn@lodinews.com.

Reader Feedback

william wrote on Sep 28, 2007 10:52 AM:

" I share in the comments made here. If I remember anything about High School at all, it was his class in creative writing. His love of poetry was contagious. I did not know about his strong faith and belief in God, but he demonstrated a care and respect of people. My own faith began to change at that point in my life as I think about it now. What a testimony. "

Report Abuse

Lodian wrote on Sep 18, 2007 10:05 AM:

" Lori: I had Mr. Levy for Creative Writing. It was my favorite class. He was a sweet and considerate man and a wonderful teacher. We had some of the best discussions in that class. Fun times.....and we learned a lot too! Not many left like Mr. Levy. "

Report Abuse

Class of 1981 wrote on Sep 18, 2007 8:30 AM:

" Mr. Levy taught me the Art of Poety. His similes and oximorons,iambic pintameters could all describe life in general. Ode to Mr Levy: Recalling him in the gentleness of his being which brushes across us like a soft blue sky day. Always the grin and the sparkle in his eyes. Such a soul was ours to share. God is happy for his return. "

Report Abuse

Lori wrote on Sep 17, 2007 4:07 PM:

" He was also in the movie "Convoy". We got to watch it in an english class for fun. "

Report Abuse

Lori wrote on Sep 17, 2007 4:06 PM:

" I had Mr. Levy for a "Bible as Literature" class at Tokay High School. I tried to take it twice! During my senior year I would take my lunch in his off period class with a couple of friends to watch soap operas with him. He was funny and witty and spiritual and easy to hang out with even for a kid. He was truly a wonderful and gifted teacher and he impacted my life in a very positive way. He deserves this honor! "

Report Abuse

Half Full wrote on Sep 17, 2007 3:16 PM:

" Now here is a PERFECT example of a citizen being active in the community with no intent on improving his business status. Who remembers the movie he made in the late 60's at the old F&M Bldg on School & Elm? It's too bad he did not have a facility like HSS in his time vs the Pine Alley Theatre. "

Report Abuse

MG Piazza, D.C. wrote on Sep 17, 2007 1:04 PM:

" He was Mr. Levy, the man 3 houses down from me, while growing up and later became a patient of mine. What a truly interesting, passionate, intelligent, kind, optimistic and creative gift we had while he was with us in this life. We need more like him. "

Report Abuse

rose tovar wrote on Sep 17, 2007 10:08 AM:

" I knew Don for many years even when we lost touch I have always had fond memories and love for him and Delores such a find couple who both contributed to the community and raised their children to follow in their footsteps. "

Archives

Story Tools

Indexes