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Howard Levitz, 72

May 26, 2019

WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — Howard Jay Levitz, 72, of Williamstown died Sunday, May 26, 2019, at his home.



He was born in the Bronx, N.Y., on April 24, 1947, son of Albert and Rita Schechter Levitz and attended RCA Institutes and graduated from Hofstra University in New York.



After graduation, Howie worked for a major photographic concern in Manhattan and the Museum of Modern Art before coming to Williams College as head of the new photographic department. He also taught photography classes at the college and was responsible for photographing a major catalog for the Clark Art Institute.



After eight years at Williams, in 1977 Howie opened his own photography and framing shop, TGL Photoworks, in Williamstown, then moved to North Adams 12 years ago, and has been operating his business since. Besides his love and extensive knowledge of photography, Howie was also a polished musician who enjoyed playing piano for anyone who might listen at weddings, cocktail parties, and for many years, the Williams Inn. He was involved in area theater, as well, often using his talents as the entire pit orchestra for many musical productions of the Mohawk Theatre Guild, and was also devoted to playing for whom he called "my old people" at area nursing homes.



Until the last, he was a true presence and force to be reckoned with, always telling jokes, composing impromptu silly songs and making people laugh.



He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Dale, his daughter, Shari, cousins, nieces, nephews, and lots of extended family and many lifelong friends.



FUNERAL NOTICE: Funeral arrangements have been made on Long Island, N.Y., and a memorial celebration of Howie's life is planned here for the end of June. To add to the Book of Memories, please visit www.flynndagnolifuneralhomes.com.



 



 




Recollections & Sympathy For the Family
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What a great loss for you and for the community! He was such a joy to visit with and discuss photo projects of all kinds.
from: Jonathanon: 06-10-2019

I am saddened to hear the news of Howie’s passing. I know you,Dale and Shari are surrounded by family and good friends. Godspeed Howie.
from: Charmaine Masterson: 06-04-2019

Howie, I will miss you. You photographed all my art work in the 80s and 90s before the digital age. Those slides I have since digitized and are on my website. And boy did we talk music! We never had the chance to play together even though we put together a comprehensive list of hard bop tunes to play. RIP my old friend.
from: William Barkinon: 06-01-2019

We were saddened to read of Howie’s death. Such a wonderful human being; a joyous person who shared his love and lack of levity with all with whom he came in contact. His presence made us all laugh; and obviously that was his unselfish mission in life. Please accept our sincerest sympathy for your inestimable loss. We send our love to you Dale and to you Shari. Bill and Brigita
from: Bill and Brigitaon: 06-01-2019

Dear Dale,

Howie was such a humorous, talented man. It leaves a big gap in the world. It was always lovely to know he was there - that was enough to make the area whole. My condolences to you and your family.
from: Eva Grudinon: 06-01-2019

Dear Dale, we were heart sick to hear of Howie's death. He made us smile and laugh every time we saw him. And, those moments of hilarity, whether shtick ( which he perfected), or simply his talented cleverness became a moment and memory we did and will always treasure. We will truly miss him. Memory of Howie will always come to us with a smile.
We send our love to you and Shari.
Mike and Carolyn
from: Mike Resio and Carolyn Agostinion: 05-31-2019

I’m so shocked and saddened by his loss... he was a very interesting and talented man ...
from: Cheryl Lefaveon: 05-31-2019

What a loss. Howie was a talented and gregarious man. We will miss him. Condolences to Dale and Shari
from: Fran and Ira Lapidus on: 05-31-2019

I am so terribly sorry to hear of Howie’s death. You are both very much in my thoughts. He was a wonderful human being. I loved being your business next door neighbor during the years I was in Williamstown, at Phillips. I can still hear his laughter in my head. Sending love to you, Dale and Shari.
from: Sandy Briney (Westie)on: 05-31-2019

Dale, So sorry to hear about Howie. My thoughts are with you.
from: Keith Howard on: 05-31-2019

I am so sorry to hear of Howie's passing. I enjoyed many evenings listening to him play at the Williams Inn. Sending prayers of comfort to your family.
from: Maureen T Mooreon: 05-30-2019

Dear Dale, Howie made me laugh.....his warmth, good humor, and larger than life personality brought real joy. The world was made brighter by his presence. I will miss my dear goofy friend. The best pictures I have of my dear Don were taken by him.....
Please accept my deepest sympathy for your profound loss.
Sincerely, Carol
from: Carol Perkinson: 05-30-2019

So sorry for your loss Dale
from: Mary Gelinason: 05-30-2019

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