Samuel H. Levine

Dr. Samuel Levine was born in Hazlehurst, GA, on November 30, 1925 (although his birth certificate records November 27, as his doctor, who was reportedly intoxicated at the time, recorded the wrong date). And so the story begins. Sam made life endlessly interesting, believing anything was possible while always having a joke or song ready to share with a twinkle in his eye. In 1955, he married his beloved wife, Gertrude Foner, who kept him on his toes throughout their 66 years of marriage until her passing in 2021. Sam lived to bring joy to those around him, anchored in his Jewish faith and kind honesty. A World War II veteran, Sam served in the Army as a cadet before embarking on an extraordinary academic journey. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Virginia Tech, a Master of Arts degree from the University of Illinois, and a PhD in Physics from the University of Pittsburgh. His career as a nuclear science engineer spanned both commercial applications and academia. At Pennsylvania State University, Sam became the Director of the Breazeale Nuclear Research Reactor and Professor Emeritus of Nuclear Engineering. Among his many contributions, he created and delivered training to the TMI-2 reactor operators following the Three Mile Island Unit 2 accident for core recovery. He was the first scientist sent by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to China, authored two books on reactor core design, and mentored numerous doctoral students. Even after retiring, Sam remained active in the nuclear field, continuing to publish articles in Nuclear News, with one final letter still awaiting publication. In 1948, Sam enlisted in the Mahal as a scientist-soldier to support Israel during its first war, where he played a pivotal role in determining radar placements that may have influenced the war's outcome. After receiving his doctorate, he returned to Israel to further enhance radar capabilities, identifying what is known today as Radar Mountain, now home to an IDF Air Force base. Most importantly, Sam was a devoted husband, son, brother, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He is survived by his three daughters, Renee Cohn Jubelirer (Bob), Lisa Taylor (Don, deceased), and Suzanne Keenan (Jeff); his grandchildren, Gideon, Michael, and Jon Cohn, Margo and Danny Schwartz, Kari Brooks, Alex Schwartz, Sean, and Justin Keenan; and five great-grandchildren. Sam lived a beautiful life, was deeply loved, and will be missed by all who knew him. Services will be held at the Sarasota National Cemetery on December 20, at 3 p.m. He will be buried alongside his beloved wife, Gertrude. His service will be live streamed and can be viewed at https://facebook.com/events/s/funeral-service-for-samuel-h-l/2027048477798465/ In his memory, contributions may be made to the American Technion Society or the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. Arrangements are being handled by Shikany's Bonita Funeral Home, Family Owned Since 1978.

Samuel H. Levine

November 30, 1925 - December 15, 2024