Carl S. Levine, 86, of Binghamton, formerly of Johnson City and Endicott, died peacefully at the home of his eldest daughter on October 3, 2016. He was the youngest son of Rubine and Nettie Levine, of blessed memory. He was predeceased by his brothers Leonard and Herbert. Carl is survived by his devoted daughters, Hollie Levine and her husband Brendan Byrnes, Debra Levine, Natalie Shatkin and her husband Marc, and Rochelle Levine Klieger. He is also survived by his former wife, Sharon Whitbeck. He was very proud of his seven loving grandchildren, Elana Levine, David and Rina Harosh, Leah and Aaron Shatkin, and Jacob and Hannah Klieger. He is also survived by his sister-in-law Elaine Levine, his nephews Richard (Jill) Levine and William (Birdie) Levine, and his niece Susan (Demetria) Levine and their families. Family and friends were very important to Carl. Carl was "lucky" to be born at Ideal Hospital, grew up in Endicott, and was proud of his local roots. He was a graduate of Union-Endicott High School, class of 1948, and Morrisville State College with a degree in clock and watch repair. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army. Carl was a Registered Jeweler and Certified Gemologist of the American Gemological Society. He began his jewelry career working with his father and brothers on the Avenue in Endicott. He was one of the "Sons" at Ruby & Sons, later serving as President from 1969-1995. Carl was active in many groups. He was a proud Boy Scout, Eagle Scout, and Sea Scout. He was a sixty-four year member of Round Hill Masonic Lodge #533 of Endicott. He served for many years as the treasurer of the West Lawn Cemetery. He was a congregant of the former Temple Beth El in Endicott and was a current member of both Temple Israel and Temple Concord, where he participated in the weekly Torah Study Group. Carl was a member of the Jewish Federation. Until the last month, Carl diligently worked out six days a week at the Jewish Community Center. Chief among his other travels, Carl was proud to have twice visited Israel. Carl spent summers for a quarter century at Spruce Row in Trumansburg, where he could be found sailing, attending cultural events, dancing to the sounds of Djug Django, sitting by the shores of Cayuga Lake, and enjoying his many Ithaca-area friends. Carl was a lifelong lover and supporter of the arts community in Broome County; he frequently and enthusiastically attended plays, operas, and concerts. Carl's passion for music was beautifully realized two weeks ago with an intimate chamber concert given for him by Pej Reitz, Steven Stalker, Timothy Perry, and Jeanne Sperber. Carl also loved to dance; he mastered all types of dance, and was a member of USA Dance Chapter 3011. Among his many dance partners was his good friend Santa Zweig. Carl was an avid supporter of the Binghamton University Bearcats Men’s and Women’s Basketball teams. He was happy to have been honored last season as a BU Basketball Superfan. Carl will be missed. He thoroughly enjoyed life; everywhere he went, Carl sprinkled his positive attitude and optimism--always looking at his world with a smile. The family would like to thank Carole Kelly and Sarah Otis and the wonderful workers of Lourdes Hospice for their help, their generosity, and their gentleness. The services will be held at 1:00 PM on Wednesday, October 5, 2016 at Temple Concord, 9 Riverside Dr., Binghamton, with Rabbi Barbara Goldman-Wartell and Rabbi Rachel Esserman officiating. Burial will be at West Lawn Cemetery in Johnson City. The family will receive friends at Temple Concord on Wednesday from 11:30 AM until the time of the service at 1:00 PM. Burial will be in West Lawn Cemetery. Shiva will be observed at the Levine/Byrnes home at 71 Helen St. in Binghamton on Wednesday from 7:00-9:00 PM, Thursday 3:00-5:00PM and 7:00-9:00 PM, Friday 3:00-5:00 PM and Saturday 7:00-9:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the charity of your choice. Arrangements by Bednarsky Funeral Home, Inc.
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