I had the privilege of being referred to Dr Levitsky in October of 2024. I was a very concerned patient and retired RN. Upon meeting him and discussing my diagnosis I was immediately confident that my current medical situation, although requiring follow up, was not a current concern. Dr Levitsky’s compassion and professional demeanor gave me the reassurance I was seeking, and I was privileged to have been able to secure this evaluation with him. 
My sincere condolences go out to his wife Rachel and his entire family. I am truly sad for your loss and as a patient for our loss as well and the profound loss to Northwestern.

Dr. Levinsky A wonderful Doctor who came into my life back in May 2008.  He was my Post Op Doctor assigned to me after my Liver Transplant.  For 17 years he took care of me.  Last October 2024 was the last time I saw him. I loved the man. I will always remember that smile of his. He told me I was his toughest case. He saved my Life. Trying to find the right medicine to prevent my body from rejecting the new Liver. My wife Linda and myself will miss him greatly. What a great man.  God sends us the people we need at exactly the time we need them.  Thank God for bringing him into my Life. 
  Eugene Henry

I had a liver transplant in June of 2012. Things went reasonably well until about nine months later, when my Hep C came roaring back like a western wildfire. I was going downhill fast and frightened. Josh Levitsky, who had been following me since my transplant, worked tirelessly to shoehorn me into a last remaining slot in a late trial for the drug Sofosbuvir. In one week this drug reduced my viral load by over 99%, saving me from near-certain death. About six months later Sofosbuvir was approved by the FDA and made widely available as Harvoni. I am part of Josh’s living legacy and am grateful beyond my ability to express for the thirteen years Josh’s efforts have given me. I am now trying to make sense of his loss, and of the huge loss his passing has been for the entire transplant community nationwide. His was a life that truly mattered, that touched the depths of so many people and families. I wish to thank his family for sharing Josh and his abilities with me and countless other patients. It was my great good fortune to know him and have him on my team.

I’m Ross, Josh’s older brother (the middle of three).  Josh was the best little brother a person could have.  Growing up from day 1 we always had an amazing bond and were super well connected throughout his entire life.  So many fun and positive times together and so many great discussions and conversations which is how I will remember him.  Can’t really put into words the devastation of his loss but we are comforted by all the great stories and memories his friends and family have shared.  It really helps in this tough time, so thank you.  Much love, Ross

I am deeply saddened, I just read the announcement of his passing. I can only praise the excellent care he provided me for the past 10 years.  He was truly a remarkable physician with a gentle and kind deposition.  Sincere condolences to his family and staff.  He will be missed!

This is so hard. Dr Levitsky has been my doctor since my transplant nearly 20 years ago. As others have said before me, it is heartbreaking to loose him. He was a kind, caring and compassionate doctor. And smart. My heartfelt sympathy to his family and friends. May he rest in peace.

I've been a post-transplant patient of Dr. Levitsky for 19 years, his first actually, in this particular area of his expansive profession.  He was so kind, and supportive throughout my journey, and I am so saddened by his passing and cannot even imagine the devastating loss felt by his family.  I am so very sorry for your grief and can only hope all your wonderful, loving memories may comfort you.  It was my honor and blessing to know him  May he rest in eternal peace always.

There are no words to express my sorrow and sadness hearing about Dr. Levitsky's death.  I have been a long time patient of his and am so very thankful for his genuine care and concern for me.  I am an emergency liver transplant patient of his and also one of his study patients.   He always had time to chat and catch up on what has become only an annual visit because of his exellent care.  Please know I will remember and be thankful for him always.  Keeping his family in my prayers as they all navigate through this difficult time.  
Sincerely , Judy Stewart

What I remember most about Josh was his sense of fun, and how easily he became an extended member of our family back in Bethesda, during those unforgettable years on Marlyn and Namakagan Roads in the late 70's, early 1980's. I'll be forever grateful to Josh for volunteering to star in many of my earliest Super 8mm movies -- he had such a big personality, and we enjoyed him so much.

Josh Levitsky was my best friend for many years growing up. It would be impossible for me to talk about or even think of my childhood without innumerable memories of our adventures together is kids in the 70s and 80s. His parents Mel and Joan, his brothers Adam and Ross, and even his crazy dogs (Rocky and Bingo)  were extended family. I could get on my bike and reach his house without using the pedals. I don't need photographs to remember every room in it and every blade of grass in their backyard. From playing Atari in the basement to Dungeons & Dragons to riding our bikes endlessly everywhere, to playing football both on the street and in our back yards,  to playing MSI soccer together, to acting in my older brother's movies shot in Super 8, to waiting in line to see "Return of the Jedi" to attending football games in 9th grade and parties in 10th and 11th, to taking judo together at the Georgetown University gym, it's all such a colossal flood of memories I can't even begin to recount them. I will never forget us teaming up on Halloween to wring the most candy out of the neighbors, and me telling him, "With your brains and my greed, we could take over the world!" ...because I never doubted Josh would dominate whatever field of science  he entered into and could not have been less surprised when I discovered he had become a leading light in the field of medicine. We had fallen out of touch but reconnected online following the passing of his mom, and I had vague plans to reunite on my next trip back to Chicago. This is an appalling loss and my love goes out to his family, friends, patients, students, and everyone else lucky enough to have known him.

Dear Dr. Levitsky’s Family,

When I received the letter from Northwestern, I gasped so loudly in shock, that people around me asked if I was all right.  I can’t even imagine what your shock, pain and grief must be.

Dr. Levitsky was such a kind, compassionate and personable man, in addition to being a brilliant doctor.  When I met him, I had just received test results that triggered my primary to refer me to Dr. Levitsky, and he opened up a spot for me the same day.  Needless to say, going in, I was scared; however, within minutes of learning what he suspected was going on, the fear was gone, because I knew absolutely that I was safe in his hands.

Always a smile, a quiet confidence, plenty of jokes, and sharing stories of his wife and kids; these are what I will always remember about Dr. Levitsky.

Condolences and prayers to you all.

Colleen G

I was stunned to read that Josh passed away.  Josh was a calm, confident and reassuring presence for his patients. I valued working with him. 
With condolences- 
Ann Murray

I was a patient of Dr. Letvinsky for almost two years now. I was in very poor health and I was referred to him by my primary. Dr. Letvinsky was such a kind, soft spoken and caring person that you immediately felt comfortable and at ease. I remember him calling me one day to give me an update on my bloodwork. I’ve never received messages from a doctor, at least not the doctor himself. 
He was patient and kind and empathized with my whole situation and the stress it put on my family and myself. He took the time to explain things to us during our appointments and even when we repeated the same question he never gave us the impression that it was a silly question or that we were wasting his time. He just re-explained everything again. 
He was so understanding that just knowing he was my doctor put my mind at ease. He had me going for bloodwork on a weekly and biweekly basis for such a long time, but he always called or notified me via the patient portal about my results. I never had to call them asking what was going on or for the results. 
My deepest condolences to his family. He was a great doctor and I truly wish I had gotten to know him better.  Thank you for sharing him with the world.

My deepest condolences to the Levitsky family. I met Dr Levitsky for the first time just last year when I was faced with some new health problems and became his patient. He was so thorough, intelligent, kind, patient, and had this deep sense of calm about him. I knew right away how lucky I was to have crossed paths with him. I wish I had gotten a chance to know him better. My thoughts are with his family and friends during this difficult time.

To all:  
I'm Josh's oldest brother, Adam.  I have read the numerous stories and comments you have all been posting. Thank you so much for sharing each of your experiences and thoughts about my brother.  While we all knew what a great doctor, brother, father, husband, son, uncle and friend Josh was, your stories have really provided me and his family with even further insight into Josh as a human.  Wow.  What amazing stories you all have shared.  

I have appreciated the heartfelt condolences and memories of Josh.  Frankly, from reading your comments/stories, it is very apparent to me that he was even more amazing than I already knew....and  I knew and loved my brother for every day of his almost 53 years of life.  I always knew him to be one of the most caring,  funny, interesting, devoted and loving people .  And though I have truly enjoyed and taken comfort in all of your amazing stories and comments about Josh, I honestly can say that I am not surprised by your stories, knowing who Josh was.    I am truly touched by his interactions with each of you on such a personal basis.  I am so glad he could wear all the different hats he wore in his life and that each of you came to the same opinion of him...he was an absolutely amazing person in a unique way to each of you.   

We are heartbroken and devastated, but your kind words truly reveal who Josh was and I am comforted with knowing that Josh truly impacted you and the world on so many different amazing levels.  

Thank you again for all of your stories and sympathies.   They are very comforting, and bring tears to my eyes, and stir positive memories of Josh.    I will truly miss my baby brother and the times we should have shared in the future, but I will think of him every day of my life.  His legacy lives on. 

With love and appreciation to all, Adam

I was so sad to hear about Dr. Levitsky. I have been a patient of his since my liver transplant in March 2005.   He has been a integral part of why I have done so well all these years  Having a past Crohn's disease history he has done my colonoscopy procedures every two years   I also had several liver biopsies which he performed. I always felt so at ease and confident with his skill and his calm demeanor.  He is a huge reason why I have been healthy these 20 years. I have always thought of him as not only my doctor, but a friend. I always looked forward to my visits with him.  He will always be in  my heart. My thoughts and prayers are with the Levitsky family.

Dr. Levitsky was my doctor right after my liver transplant in 2019. It is not an exaggeration to say that his intelligence and clinical decision-making saved my life, multiple times.  His calm, kind demeanor had a way of putting my husband and me at such ease despite the uncertainty of my health situation at the time. He would jokingly say to my husband when he was having anxiety, “Ryan, I consider you my patient too.” I don’t know Dr. Levitsky’s family personally, but when I would tell him about my three young kids and show him pictures of our family thriving because of my good health, he proudly showed me pictures of his family too. He was an awesome human being and I want his loved ones to know the far-reaching ripple effect of his talent and care. We love and miss you Dr. Levitsky.

Dr. Levitsky was my doctor and I was devastated to learn of his passing. He was someone I knew always had my back and I could count on for support during good and bad times.   I always enjoyed our visits catching up on life. He had a kind, compassionate bedside manner that you cant teach. He always spoke so lovingly of his family and always asked how my job and family were. I know his wife Rachel and she is just as wonderful as him. He will truly be missed.

My deepest condolences to you all. 
Dr. Levitsky was the best Dr. I ever had, so caring and just a great soul. He helped me when I was going through my hardest and worst times of my life. He was caring but he didn’t sugar coat reality. He gave me hope and was part of my healing journey and transformation to a healthier and better me. Never judging always kind. A fantastic Dr. and even better human being. I will never forget him he will always have a place in my heart.  ❤️

Patient 

I heard the sad, shocking news today of the passing of this amazing physician. I have been a patient of Dr. Levitsky’s at Northwestern for nearly 20 years. Today, 2-26-2025, I celebrate my 47th liver transplant anniversary which made hearing this news even sadder.  I found a peer in Dr. Levitsky as we were merely 2 months apart in age.  His humble, compassionate nature enabled him to listen to my concerns over the years.  While I am not a doctor, I had already lived with the impact of a liver transplant for 27+ years when I met Dr. Levitsky.  He never let his knowledge, skill, nor ego stand in the way of compassion for his patient.
Dr. Levitsky had a smile at every transplant visit and was supportive of continuing to be part of my ongoing healthcare. I found comfort knowing he always had my best interests at heart as I hit small bumps in the road or big obstacles.  As a physician, researcher, and advocate I feel Dr. Levitsky soars to the heights among the greats of the Liver Transplant world.  I was transplanted by Dr. Thomas Starzl back in 1978. I trusted Dr. Levitsky as I trusted Dr. Starzl with my life. Dr. Starzl saved a dying 5-year-old little girl. Dr. Levitsky kept her alive as she traveled the road of a second liver transplant allowing her to traverse through her 30s, 40s, and 50s. 
At my last visit with Dr. Levitsky in 2024, I teased him that he could not retire any time soon as too many of my doctors were retiring.  He said he wasn’t planning on it just yet as he had more research he wanted to do.  I took comfort I would have a fighter in my corner as this journey continued.
To his family, friends, and colleagues thank you for sharing this amazing man with the rest of us.  We will all miss you so much Dr. Levitsky!!!!!

Love and Prayers to Josh's friends and family from Josh's Whitman friends and teammates,  and the coaches of the Walt Whitman Wrestling Team.   Josh was a very good football player, a great student, an amazing young man.  Gone too soon - rest in peace.  

Jim Douglas - Biology Teacher and Wrestling Coach.

I had the pleasure of being seen twice by Dr. Levitsky. He was a buoyant presence during a stressful time! His good humor and calming nature were welcome, and I am so sorry that he has passed. I knew him but a moment, but he made a mark. His spirit was so bright! We talked about poetry, and I sent him my book of poems about the loss of my younger sister one year after she had a liver transplant at Emory Hospital in Atlanta.  This was decades ago when she passed, but he treated my loss with deep knowing.

Dear Levitsky Family,
My wife and I met Dr. Levitsky in October, 2007 after I received my transplant.  He was soft spoken and mild mannered and took the time to answer all of our questions.  He was a guiding light for us.  

I looked forward to our visits over the years, because he would chat in addition to going over everything from tests to expectations.  I only needed to call him once for an urgent matter, but he took my call - even answered the phone himself.  

In one of the early visits, I remember asking if I could take a Cinnamon supplement.  Without hesitation he replied, "Sure, but I prefer getting mine at Cinnabon."

My wife and I both will miss him.

Joe & Flo Berry

Dear Levitsky Family,

I became a patient of Dr Levitsky in 2008 at just 18 years old. 
I came to Northwestern because Children's Memorial couldn't handle esophageal varices. But Northwestern could. Dr Levitskys wonderful calm demeanor and wonderful care are what caused me to switch hospitals. 

He was there for my 14 hour transplant in 2009 and all through recovery. He was super excited on my first 'liverversarry'. I celebrated my 15th liverversarry last year. 

He was sceptical of my move to rural Alaska a decade ago but supported it. And due to his support I've been able to build a home and thrive here. 

He often spoke of his beloved family, and I wish you all the greatest of condolences. Thank you for sharing him with us.

Dr. Levitsky was my doctor and he such an incredibly kind, smart and thoughtful person at a time when I really needed someone like that not just as a physician but as a human. He was magnificent. He saved my life. And then, for months afterward, every time I got to go back to see him for a follow up, I always looked forward to the visits with him--just to chat with him made me feel so much better about everything.

Dear Levitsky family,
   I have been his patient since 2007 and saw him every year. I truly enjoyed those appointments because he was extremely personable and was invested in my ongoing health needs. I am shocked and so sad at the news, He will be dearly missed.

Dear Levitsky Family,

Words cannot adequately express the profound sadness I feel upon learning of Dr. Levitsky's passing. He was my husband's physician since 2008, and throughout those years, he provided not just exceptional medical care, but also unwavering compassion and genuine warmth. His caring spirit extended far beyond the clinical setting; he consistently treated my husband with kindness and understanding, creating a truly supportive and empathetic doctor-patient relationship.

We are deeply grateful for the exceptional care Dr. Levitsky provided, care that went above and beyond the call of duty and, quite simply, saved my husband's life. He was instrumental in ensuring my husband’s well-being, and for that, our family will be forever indebted to him. He will be dearly missed, not only as a skilled and dedicated physician, but as a valued member of our family's healthcare team and a source of comfort and support during challenging times.

The Dutton family

Dearest Levitsky Family, 
I did not know Josh as the respected doctor that he became. I knew a young teen Josh when we were in boarding school together at SIPS in Salzburg, Austria. He was always so sweet, energetic, thoughtful, and had the best smile. Reading all the comments from his patients, I am happy to hear that he continued to bring joy and light to all those he cared for. I’m not surprised that he was so well loved. I am deeply saddened to hear of his passing.

Thank you for taking care of my Mom, Dr. Josh. She just called me in tears after learning of your passing.

Thanks for all you have done for your patients and the field of medicine. 

May G-d grant your family strength and peace, and may your memory forever be a blessing.

My condolences go out to the Levitsky family. My mother was a liver transplant of his and I was his patient as well. Visiting NMH routinely as an adolescent sparked my interest and I now work in healthcare. 
He was a wonderful, kind and inspiring physician. Sending my thoughts to his loved ones and he will be missed.

Dear Levitsky Family,
We were deeply saddened to learn of your loss today. We were blessed to have him as my transplant doctor. It was our sincere pleasure to get to know him the last 9 months since surgery. He was kind, compassionate and funny but certainly took his work seriously. We will miss him. May his memory forever be a blessing. With sympathy and prayers. The D’Avanzo Family

Not being good with words and the shock of leaning of Dr. Levitsky’s passing, all I can muster is sincere sadness, admiration and gratitude to a truly amazing man. He saved my husband’s life. He saved our family and to know he won’t be with his, is heart shatteringly unfair.

To his family, friends and the greater world that he single-handedly impacted, thank you. Our heart goes out to all and will hug each other a bit tighter tonight.  Godspeed.

I was a patient of Dr. Levitsky's and am so sorry to read of his loss. He was brilliant, so kind, and so compassionate and I was enormously grateful to have him as my doctor. His loss among his colleagues and patients is immeasurable, but his loss to his family just breaks my heart. May his memory be a forever blessing.

Levitsky family,
First, I am devastated for your loss. My deepest condolences are with you.
I received a liver transplant more than 20 years ago, and Dr Levitsky is the reason I am alive. He certainly provided the highest-quality medical care possible, saved lives, and conducted cutting-edge research. But to me, his greatest strength was his genuine concern.  No one was just a “case” to Dr Levitsky—he cared deeply about every patient as a person. We have children the same ages and enjoyed sharing stories about our kids at the various stages of their lives.  The past 5 years were incredibly medically difficult for me, and Dr Levitsky was the one person I could count on to respond quickly and with genuine concern. He has been my anchor in the very scary and challenging storm of my health. I will miss him terribly.

I was a patient of Doctor Levitsky, and he not only made my journey possible,  but also  made it bearable. He always instilled hope and peace in my heart. He not only helped heal me physically, but aided in the difficult spiritual journey of transplantation. Peace Josh. I am grateful for having known you.

I'm just so sad to hear this. I am a liver transplant patient and I was absolutely saved by Dr. Levitsky. He was a kind and gentle soul. He helped me thru some very hard times. I will NEVER forget him and what he did for me.
My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Dr. Levitsky RIP.....you will be SO missed....

I was a patient, you saved my life, and gave me what I needed at 35 to live and manage my unknown condition. I at 40 again had you guide me to another resolve. I could’ve died and would have if left untreated back at 35. You pushed everything along fast and efficiently. Just 2/14 a couple weeks ago you were in my procedure with IR watching my care. I’m so grateful and appreciative of all the great care you gave when I was local and when I moved away. You truly saved my life and I hope god gives you the best afterlife my friend. God bless you. 

The Scott
Family

Today would have been your birthday. I still cannot grasp that my Epic buddy is no longer here. You helped so many , patients, students , fellows and your colleagues. Remembering your joy at the party when you finished the AST Presidency dancing with Rachel, Mia and Ben.
Miss you but you will not be forgotten. You are in our hearts and memory.
Dan

Dear Rachel, 

I am a colleague of Dr Levistky and moved to NJ a year and a half ago. I had the opportunity to train alongside him during residency and later as we were doing fellowships-me in cardiology and Josh in hepatology at University of Nebraska. I had the fortune of doing additional training and working with Josh at NU. He is such a superstar, a true family man, a physician passionately committed to patient care and a great researcher. More importantly, he was one of the nicest human beings. He will be missed by many, Hearing this news just broke my heart. My heartfelt condolences!

I’m just heartbroken to hear this awful news. Josh and I were colleagues together for many years and we were excited that he would be the President of the AST at the same time that I would be the President of the ASTS. Not only was Josh a brilliant scientist and transplant hepatologist with endless academic accolades but he was a beloved, charismatic and compassionate physician and leader, admired and loved by his patients and colleagues.  
More importantly Josh was a consummate gentleman, who simply adored his family. He always had a kind word, a comforting smile and a twinkle in his eyes. Josh’s dry sense of humor matched perfectly with my sarcasm. 
My heart aches for Rachel, Ben, Mia and his family. I pray that God gives them strength and comfort during this unbearable time. I will miss you Josh. The world has truly lost a treasure. 💔

I had the honor of working with Dr. Levitsky in the Transplant department at Northwestern from 2016-2019. He was a wonderful doctor, compassionate and personable with his patients, and committed to developing policies and research that advanced the field in so many ways. He was kind and level-headed, and I have no doubt his absence will be felt in the Transplant community for years to come.  Sending love and peace to his family and friends.

Not sure what happened but this is a huge LOSS to hepatology and Josh's colleagues and friends, and most definitely his family. So sorry to hear this and praying for comfort for the Levitsky family. A brilliant yet humble mind. Impacted many in the field and will be missed.

Josh has been a dear friend since day one of medical school. He was one of my anatomy partners and memorized four times more than I did. His sense of humor was fabulous and we instantly connected. 
He was brilliant and kind and a good friend.
To know Josh is to love his family as well. I send Rachel all my love. Mia & Ben don’t know me but I know your LA cousins and your whole family is dear to me. 
May his memory forever be a blessing ❤️

Dear Rachel,
My deepest condolences. Josh and I were residents together at the University of Chicago. I will always remember his wonderful voice, laugh and love for University of Michigan sports. More recently, we have had a few patients in common. All of these patients have spoken to me about Josh’s kindness, compassion and excellent medical care . Life can sometimes be the hardest for those who feel the most deeply. He will be sincerely missed . 
May God bless you all.

Dear Rachel,
May you and Mia and Ben find peace.  Our hearts are crying with you.
Love, Honey and Howard

Dr. Levitsky has been with me since my transplant 2007. I was very young and always enjoyed my time with him and seeing him in the office. We always talked about our kids and how life is and what it’s like. Always took the best care of me. Even signed me up for studies with my liver. I absolutely adored him and hearing about his life. Such a wonderful man and intelligent physician. I now work in surgery to help others like they helped me. Nothing will make this better but my condolences to his family. I will miss you Dr. Levitsky and will do my best to stay healthy and keep my liver happy. See you in the next level.  😢☹️😢😭

I never met Josh but I have known and worked with Rachel for many years.  I feel so sad for what is an unfathomable event for Rachel and her children.  Rachel is one of the nicest people I know, and for this to happen to her is truly devastating and heartbreaking.

I was devastated to hear this. To Rachel and family I can only say I am sending healing prayers and lots of love.  To Bob and Jan, I am thinking about you as well. With love, Michele Marcus Vold.

Sending love and prayers to Rachel, their kids, and his entire family. He was a tremendous person. Josh and I trained together at the University of Chicago. He had this incredible, witty sense of humor and was never at a loss for words. Clipboard in hand, he took tremendous care of his patients and above all, was honest and thoughtful in  most everything that he did. I think his superpower was calling it like it was. He also took charge of ordering call night meals and Medici shakes. :) 

I randomly ran into Josh and Rachel in 2019 in Phoenix. We were hiking down a mountain and they were hiking up. What a great surprise. He was the same lovable Josh and I was fortunate to see them both after so long. 

Our class loves you. May you rest in peace and know how much you are loved and respected. You will never be forgotten. Godspeed.

So sad to hear this news. My prayers go out to Rachel, Mia and Ben. I'll miss our catch up sessions whenever Maryland and Michigan play. And I'll always have fond memories of our time holding up the left side of the offensive line together in our senior year of high-school,  as well as all the great times we had together in your basement on a Friday or Saturday night, during high-school and the summers shortly after while we were in college. I'll miss you my friend.

A devastating loss. Dr Levitsky was my doctor and basically kept me alive.  He was kind, patient, intelligent, extreme;y knowledgeable and respected.  I don't know what I will do without him. 
Rest in peace Dr Levitsky,   Laurie Kirshenbaum

I’m heartbroken.  Gone way too young.  What a terrific colleague but even more as a human being.  He was never without a smile on his face.  Whether it was medicine or casual chitchat he always had time.

My deepest condolences, my thoughts and prayers are with all Josh’s loved one during this difficult time. 
Josh and I had a great collaboration on a basic science project and data generated from the project had that resulted in an important publication in a  well-known peer reviewed scientific journal. 
R.I. P. Josh! I’ll miss you. 
Jenny

Josh loved his family so much. He loves you all so much and lives on in different ways.

He was always telling jokes and had a fun sense of humor… it will be very odd knowing those jokes are no longer being shared directly by him in the world anymore, but we will keep his sense of humor alive! 

His patients loved him. Several times, patients would come to clinic asking for him, delivering baked bread or other snacks. He had the biggest smile when he’d see his patients. They loved him so much. 

His mother passed almost a year before mine did. I asked him for advice when I found out my mom was terminal and then after she passed. He became a grief mentor. I feel very lucky to have had that very niche mentorship. 

It is terrible that your earthly presence is gone, Josh! But we will always say your name!

May his memory be a blessing.

As an internal medicine colleague at Northwestern, we shared a number of patients. Josh always returned my pages and answered my questions with patience and kindness.  I am a better primary care physician because of Josh. I never met him in person, but my patients adored him, so I did too.  May his family know how important he was to so many of us professionally. Humble teacher. Gifted colleague. I'm grateful to have known him. 

I am sorry his beautiful family and friends have to be in this space of grief right now. God bless you all.

I knew Josh as a kindred hepatologist here at Feinberg. I so enjoyed sharing ideas with him, discussing campus activities, training mutual fellows and most importantly in planning care for our patients as they moved from adolescence to adulthood. He truly was a warm and dedicated clinician, inspired scientist and a great person to share a meal with at national meetings. Our community will miss him so much.  I will miss him. His legacy cannot be described in a short paragraph.  Please know that he was loved and highly valued here at NM and Lurie and that he and his family are in my prayers.

Adam,

My warmest regards to you and your entire family on the passing of your dear brother, Josh. He undoubtedly contributed to the betterment of all of us. The example set by your family, mainly your parents, has borne fruit, and their legacy is there for all to witness and cherish.

As I pause to think of your late mother, please give a special greeting to your father, Melvyn. Unbeknownst to him, he is one of my favorite people, and I would have been honored to follow in his footsteps.

I would talk to Dr Levitsky on occasion when I was working in the transplant department and every interaction was nothing short of pleasant and kind. I was shocked to hear about his passing and send my condolences to his family as well as his NM colleagues. ❤️❤️

I was deeply saddened to hear of your recent loss.  May you find comfort in the love that surrounds you. Sending hugs and love your way. 

Sandy Smith
Drake (Tankin) Smith

Josh was a man of few (but carefully chosen and often hilarious) words. His commentary during our kids’ dance and camp recitals sustained me. His decoction of my and Rachel’s peeves and grievances on any given day disarmed us. His droll observations of all of our children spared no one - yet they were delivered fondly and with love. 

Josh was a brilliant & well-regarded physician. I was always so, so proud to say I knew him, to tell other physicians I knew him because I just knew they’d be impressed. Josh had a passion for livers and unshakable integrity. He was definitely not the doctor friend to hit up for an antibiotic rx - but he was thoughtful and generous with his time and expertise, most recently when guiding me through the diagnosis and care of a friend with bile duct cancer - a time he set all joking aside. 

Beneath Josh’s brilliance and humor lay a unique compassion, even for those whom society deemed undeserving. And perhaps it’s inappropriate to mention this here, but it’s something I’ll never forget: Josh adored one of my dogs who was particularly… unadorable. I never understood it, but in retrospect, it was a privilege for Teddy to have been so adored by anyone, let alone someone with Josh’s integrity and character. 

May my dear Rachel, Mia, and Ben be comforted among all the Jews in mourning today, all the Jews of Zion and Jerusalem. And may every single memory of your dad be forever a blessing.

Sending much love and comfort and many hugs and prayers to the family. May God continue to bless you and keep you that much closer to His heart during such a difficult time in the loss of a husband, father, brother, uncle and friend. He will be missed. 

With the warmest regards, 

Marcia Howlett and 
Zach Henderson

I am so sorry to hear about Dr. Levitsky's passing.  I had the honor of training with him at the University of Chicago many years ago and had the privilege of being reacquainted with him in 2023 at the American Society of Clinical Investigation (ASCI) meeting in Chicago.  It was like the years between never existed--Josh was always so warm and approachable and guided and stepped in to help his peers and patients always.  He was honored at the ASCI meeting for his contributions to science and mentorship of those in early career.  While the world is certainly dimmer without Josh's physical presence in it, his legacy and memory will always remain bright for anyone and everyone he touched.

Please accept our deepest condolences on the passing of Dr. Levitsky. His dedication to his  patients and compassionate care will be deeply missed .Our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.  Dr. Levitsky was one of a kind and will be greatly missed. 

The Dietz Family

Sending love and strength to Josh's family!

As the mother of a transplant patient of Dr. Josh for the last 10 years, I wanted to share how deeply we are sorry and heartbroken we are for his family, the medical community, and all the lives he touched.  Dr. Josh was kind, patient, and compassionate.  He was "cool" as the younger kids would say. When my daughter would see another Dr.  Over the last decade, everything no matter what it was, needed Dr. Josh's approval, I wouldnt settle for less. 
Whomever is tasked with the care of Dr. Josh's patients, must know the incredible shoes they must fill. 
May his memory be a blessing to all that had the honor to know him. 
Love and comfort, The Mackenzie Machak Family

Josh was my liver doctor from 18 years old-present(I’m 27), and he was always such a kind, compassionate, patient, and knowledgeable man. He was always humble and soft spoken yet cared so deeply for his patients and family. 
A kind soul this world and the world of medicine definitely did not deserve(in the best way) and he will be greatly missed.❤️

Rachel, Mia and Ben, I am so very sorry to hear this profoundly sad news. My hope is that you take comfort from your family and closest friends during the days and weeks ahead knowing that there are many people in the larger community grieving with you and eager to share stories and remember your dad with you. 
Jean Schwab

I am fortunate to be one of Josh's first fellows as he started his career at Northwestern. He arrived during a difficult time at NU, as Andy Blei - a legend - was nearing the end of his career and leaving a gigantic void. It was quickly apparent that Josh Levitsky was going to be an extraordinary hepatologist and teacher. I vividly remember his clipboard and watching him sit on the bed next to patients. He had a gigantic knowledge base yet practiced with the greatest humility, sincerity, and compassion for his patients. I admire him greatly and extend my deepest condolences to his family and close colleagues.

Dr Levitsky was the first doctor I saw on my liver transplant journey that started in 2011.  My sincerest condolences to his family and friends. May he RIP

May the peace of God rest on the entire family and our transplant family in such a great loss. I pray that everyone connected to Dr. Josh Levitsky feels the warm embrace of God during this time of bereavement. As your door has remains closed with a photo of you on it and notes from our Transplant family, I will miss seeing you at your desk working every time I enter and leave the breakroom, Grace & Peace.

Josh would come into my office once/week for Hi-Chews candy.  He had discipline that he never overindulged.  I am blessed to have worked with him for all these years.  He loved a potluck and a party!  He will be missed by his patients and colleagues.  His patients adored him.

I am deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Dr. Levitsky. He was a dedicated physician whose compassion and commitment to his patients and colleagues leave a lasting impact. I feel honored to have met and worked alongside such an amazing individual. His kindness, wisdom and generosity will always be remembered. My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and all who had the privilege of knowing him. Withing you strength and comfort during this challenging time.

OBITUARY

Josh Levitsky, MD

25 February, 1972 – 18 February, 2025

Weinstein & Piser Funeral Home

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