Funeral Details

Monte was a real mentor to me, and a truly good person. He was smart, understanding, and empathetic. He also had a great sense of humor. I will miss him.
Harry Jaffe

Dr. Harry Jaffe

Dearest Judy and dear Monte’s family, Our hearts are with you hearing this very sad news about Monte, a gentle man and a gentleman. It was such a joy to see you, Judy and Monte so happy together. May you be comforted by many happy and loving memories. Please accept our heartfelt condolences. Love, Jill and Howard

Jill and Howard Sharfstein

Monte was my neighbor and dear friend for over 30 years. During that time he always treated me with kindness and caring thoughtfulness. We laughed and cried together. He helped me provide appropriate care for my mother as she aged and saw me through some difficult times. I will never forget this wonderful man who always had a smile and a positive word of encouragement. Little did I know when I moved next door that I would meet a man who had such a positive impact on my life. Rest In Peace, dear friend. You will always be missed.
My deepest sympathy to the entire Levinson family.
Frank Brady

Frank Brady

Lived a long and full life.

Joan/James Rich

I probably knew Monte longer but not as well as many others. Monte and I were classmates at Emmet grammar school andAustin High School. We rode the EL together to the U oF I at Navy Pier. We went our separate ways after Navy Pier, Monte to medical school and me to law school. Our paths crossed many times with a promise to get together. We reunited at the Sukkat Shalom Senior men’s luncheon group. Monte accomplished much; Monte touched many; Monte will be missed. He left this world a better place

Ken Glick

I had the honor to work with Dr. Monte Levinson as the Director of Nursing at the Presbyterian Homes. The first thing he would say to me when I came to his door was to invite me to sit down. He was a wonderful storyteller and the most compassionate and kind geriatrician. When he retired I brought his leather desk chair into my office (although it was incredibly uncomfortable) and sat in it for several years. It served as a reminder to me what he believed in. He made a difference in the lives of so many older adults and staff working in long term care. I am so sorry and extend my condolences to your family.

Ann Caughron

Monte was a sweet person. I work with Victor and Monte came to the office. It was first time meeting him. My heart breaks for Victor and families. Monte is now with his wife. Rest buddy.

Kathy Nitch

May dear Monte rest in peace. You were the loving companion of our dearest friend Judy, and to see you both so happy together, gave us joy. You will be missed. Love, Jill and Howard

Jill and Howard Sharfstein

Monte was one of the finest people I have ever known. I loved him and will miss him fiercely. Monte had an infectious laugh and I took every opportunity to ensure I heard it.
We were friends for forty years. My husband and I lived next door for most of that time. We were blessed in watching Victor and Linda come of age, and then having Linda, Mark, Anna and Ethan in Monte’s and Sophie’s home.
In January, we spoke with Monte for over an hour with much laughter and great joy for which I am very grateful.
We hope Monte’s family finds some comfort and peace knowing they are in the hearts of so many during this difficult time.
Rest In Peace, my friend.
Blessings and love,
Barb Brady

Barbara Brady

Dearest Vic, Linda, Barb, Judy (and associated Levinson/Harvey/Silverman extended family),

Some 43 years ago, a fellow ETHS classmate started to organize a rugby "club" (a team not officially sanctioned by the school). Thus began my first introduction to someone who would become a key part of my life, my best man, and all-around closest buddy. It was not love-at-first-sight, figuratively speaking. Other than rugby, we didn't hang around too much in the same circles.

One summer this guy shows up where I was working, and says let's go have lunch. He had been away in Israel for a while. It was Vic. We eventually became nearly inseparable, Vic inviting me over for Shabbat dinners quite often; and after sticking around for a respectful amount of time with Dr. Monte, Dr. Sophie and Linda (and Hercules at the time), Vic and I would break off to do our typical college shenanigans--he often taking (dragging?) me to unsanctioned events at NU (I attended Loyola). And it was through being unknowingly--but so gratefully--woven into the Levinson family that I find myself mourning the loss of our dear Dr. Monte J. Levinson along with all of the family members who I have also grown so fond of and have been privileged to know and be treated as one of their own.

Dr. Monte (as I continued to call him after his retirement) remained everything anyone who has eulogized him has remembered him for. Another of our "Greatest Generation" who, despite the limiting factor known as human mortality, I just figured would be around forever. Well, we can hope and wish. So many fond memories going back, those snippets of memories that seem so vivid yet were as far back as 20, 30--even 40-some years ago. Dr. Monte attending our first rugby match against New Trier and when one of their players fell to the ground obviously in distress, Dr. Monte running immediately onto the field to lend medical attention. Dr. Monte and Dr. Sophie hosting Joan's and my wedding shower at their home. Dr. Monte and Vic inviting my dad and me to a cultured night out for dinner (Japanese, of course) and an author's book discussion centered on the Japanese-American internment during WWII. When a group of co-workers and I from CJE had arranged a visit to the Pres Home and not knowing we were coming, Dr. Monte surprised to see me giving me a big bear hug and kiss on the head. 'Give these guys whatever they need' is what I recall him saying to our tour host. You get the idea, and there are so many more examples like this, big and small.

The one consolation I--I should say "we" who were fortunate to even meet Dr. Monte once--is the legacy of his immediate and extended family who I am also so very privileged to continue having as part of my life. Though we've lost Dr. Monte's physical being, his love, compassion, intelligence, sense of humor all live on through Vic, Linda, their grown families who themselves were clearly more directly touched by Dr. Monte's love and caring. My heart aches for them.

It is with a heavy but grateful heart for knowing you, Dr. Monte, that I truly say THANK YOU, rest-in-peace, and give Dr. Sophie an extra big hug and kiss from me when you see her.

Love, Brad



Brad Fujii

I don’t know when I didn’t know Monte. My late husband was
a resident in Pediatrics and we were lucky to meet Monte. The word mensch was everything Monte was , to the very end. Bless his memory forever. Lovingly, Rita

Rita Mendelsohn

My mother, Ann Tarkoff, was a cousin to Monte, via the Beller family. Around 1980, I brought her to Evanston for a second opinion with Monte. He confirmed a diagnosis of Parkinson’s. He was loving and caring and very helpful Watching the recording of the funeral, it was heartwarming to hear all the tributes to him. May all his family be comforted by their wonderful memories and his great legacy.
Mike Tarkoff

Michael Tarkoff

Dr Levinson was my doctor for several years. He was always a warm and caring person as well as an excellent doctor.
My warmest condolences to his family.
May his memory be a blessing.


Chadd Berkun