Thomas R. LeViness

Thomas R. LeViness, beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle, brother, and respected attorney, passed away peacefully on October 18, 2024, at the age of 84. Born in Floral Park, NY, to John and Juliette LeViness, Thomas spent most of his life in New York City and Cutchogue, NY, where he built a remarkable career and countless memories with his family and friends. An accomplished trust and estates lawyer, Thomas dedicated much of his life to his work, where his expertise and compassion left an indelible mark on the lives of his clients. Raised in a family of attorneys, he recognized law as a profession that provided the opportunity to help those in need. He earned his law degree from St. John's University in 1964 and began his career at J.P. Morgan in the Estate Department before joining his father’s firm, Pell & LeViness, PC. Thomas was passionate about applying his legal expertise to a variety of causes and groups. He served as counsel and trustee at the Earl C. Sams Foundation, volunteered his services for the Families of 9/11 Victims, and was a member of the Dean's Council at Stony Brook Medical School from 1990 to 2000. He also served as trustee at Champlain College for two decades. His dedication to education continued as a faculty member for the New York State Bankers Association’s Estate Planning and Trust Administration Schools, and as a lecturer for the Marino Bar Review course. Thomas leaves behind a legacy of a life well-lived, known for his sense of humor, and as a natural storyteller who brought joy and laughter to all those around him. When Thomas was young, he served as a volunteer firefighter, embodying a commitment to service that would continue to define his life. Thomas was a man of deep faith and found strength and inspiration in the Jesuit tradition (an alumni of the College of the Holy Cross and Cranwell Preparatory School) and the teachings of the Catholic Church. He loved the outdoors and, in particular, being out on the water. He enjoyed spending his weekends in Cutchogue with his family—boating, fishing, gardening and golfing, and always with a dog by his side, in particular his beloved dog, Julie. Thomas is survived by his loving wife, Grace, and his six children: Thomas (Mau) LeViness, Suzanne (Jay) Meador, Christine (Rich) Miller, Kathryn (John) Murray, Alissa (Steve) LeViness Hinkson, and Mary Kate (Taylor) LeViness Fields. He also leaves behind his adored sister, Mary LeViness Jones, eight cherished grandchildren (Andrew, Sophia, Alex, Matthew, Patrick, Jack, Ava, and Dean), nieces and nephews (John, Meg, Katie, Timothy, James, Sheila, Stephen, and Julie), and extended family—all of whom will remember him as a warm and loving father figure. A funeral mass will be held on Saturday, October 26, 2024, at 10:00 AM at Our Lady of Good Counsel (14300 Main Road, Mattituck, NY). A reception will follow at 12:00 PM at the North Fork Country Club (26342 Main Road, Cutchogue, NY). In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in his memory. Online condolences may be offered by visiting www.ShikanyFuneralHome.com. Arrangements are being handled by Shikany's Bonita Funeral Home, Family Owned Since 1978.

Thomas R. LeViness

July 30, 1940 - October 18, 2024