Max Seymour Levine (Yechiel Mechel Shamai Ben Chaim) was born on November 7, 1936 in Brooklyn, New York, and passed away on August 31, 2019, surrounded by his family, in Miami, Florida. He is survived by Judy, his wife of nearly 46 years; his two children, Larry Levine (of Philadelphia, PA) and Amy Small (of Atlanta, GA); his four wonderful grandkids, Ellie, Noah, Abigail, and Eve; his twin sister, Flori Yablonsky (Tamarac, FL), and a tightly-knit family of in-laws, nieces and nephews.
To everyone who knew and loved him, Max had both a personality that was larger than life—and a presence that was perfectly unassuming—all at the same time. He loved his family fiercely, taking immense joy in seeing his kids, and later, his grandkids, smile and laugh at every opportunity, whether by making up silly songs, telling groan-worthy jokes, or always warning them to “watch out for the bones” no matter what they were eating.
For more than 35 years, he was personally invested in the health and comfort of his insurance clients, never missing an opportunity to send a birthday card or make a house call. He was steadfastly devoted to his Jewish faith, and took pride in instilling that same sense of respect, culture and tradition in his children. But above all, he was whole-heartedly committed to Judy, his wonderful wife of 45 years, and the family they built together.
Even as his health declined over the last few months, he never lost his determination to try to get better, or his signature sense of humor. The twinkle in his eye that made Judy fall in love with him, the devilish grin he’d flash right before telling a joke that was maybe just a little bit scandalous, and his bright, infectious smile will be missed by everyone who knew him. But his quiet way of just being present and happy, taking in every moment as Dad, Max, and Grandpa Mech, are what his family, and everyone who loved him, will never forget—and will never be replaced.
