Robert Eugene Leverton

Robert Eugene Leverton, 81, of Springfield, died at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 10, 2007 at Memorial Medical Center. He was born on February 26, 1926 in Syracuse, New York, the son of Dr. Rueben L. and Sylvia Davis Leverton. He was a graduate of William Nottingham High School in Syracuse and earned three degrees at Syracuse University; Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Law, and Juris Doctor. Mr. Leverton practiced law in Syracuse for 20 years and was a senior partner in the firm of Carrigan, Leverton and Keough. Fascinated by politics throughout his life, he began as legislative counsel in the State Assembly in Albany, New York, then became the Majority Leader and President-Pro Tem of the Syracuse City Council, where he often served as acting Mayor. He was the Co-founder and Vice President of the New York State Association of City Councils, and most recently, he was an elected alderman in Leland Grove. He served in the U.S. Army in WWII as a platoon staff sergeant, training infantry combat replacements at Fort McClellan, Alabama, where he earned the Victory and the American Campaign Medals. He was also a member of the Fort’s basketball team. He was very active in Veteran’s Affairs, and was Commander of the Onondaga County Veteran’s Council. Later he was the Group Insurance attorney and director of legislative compliance for the Pacific Life Insurance Company in Newport Beach, California, then was Vice President and General Counsel of Best Life Assurance Company of California. He served on the Executive Committee of the Association of California Life & Health Insurance Companies for 20 years, and was on several committees of the Health Insurance Association of America and the American Council of Life Insurance Companies. He finished his active insurance career in 1998, as a claims consultant. He met his soul mate and future wife, Eleanor McCree through his work in insurance, which was where she had her career at Franklin Life. His passion for golf began early and he was involved in the legendary Central New York Golf Profession in Syracuse and competed in many amateur golf and bowling tournaments there. In recent years he was a golf teacher in Springfield, Illinois, and his insight and patience inspired many players. He and his wife supported many up-and- coming young golfers by housing and traveling with them to tournaments. He had a wonderful sense of humor and was always at the ready with a new quip, many drawn from his love of politics and golf. He is survived by his wife, Eleanor A. McCree, his two children: Tracy Leverton of Vienna, Virginia and Victoria Moore of Chatham, Illinois, and four step children: Barry Helmerichs, Sander Hermann, Spencer Hermann, Franci Neill, and eight grand children. Cremation was accorded by the Cremation Tribute Center, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield. A celebration of his life will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 21, 2007 at the Firefighters Postal Lake Club, 940 W. Lake Shore Dr., Springfield. The family of Robert Eugene Leverton is being served by Kirlin-Egan and Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St. Springfield.