The oldest of three children born to Charlotte & Harry Levin, Joe and his sisters all went by their middle names. Fruma Esther; Selma Ruth; and Maurice Joseph.

Born in Salem, the family soon moved to Albany, then Vermont, then back to Albany. Joe finally settled in Hempstead after marrying Pauline. Her family was among the early founders of Congregation Beth Israel.

Joe graduated from Albany Teacher’s College before entering the Army Air Force as an Aerial Photographic Officer. After 20 months of active duty Joe was discharged as a First Lieutenant.

In 1946 Joe and Pauline joined Congregation Beth Israel on the first Yom Kippur after his discharge. They both taught in the Hempstead School system… Joe taught chemistry in Hempstead HS for 34 years… and then taught another 27 years at Nassau CC.

After retiring from teaching in 2007, Joe met Barry Friedberg at the “J” and Barry asked him to join the Board of the Florence & Barry Friedberg JCC.

While serving on the Board, Joe became involved with the Sunrise Day Camps for kids with cancer and their siblings.

In addition to being a member of CBI for almost 71 years, it was for many of those years that he served as the congregation’s Executive VP and also as our Gabbai, announcing each aliyot.

Joe Levin was a man who gave generously to many worthy causes but did so quietly and without fanfare, in the best tradition of our people.

May his name always be remembered for a blessing.