George Bernard Levine

George was the embodiment of the perpetually happy guy. He was a fun loving person who always greeted people with a big smile and a loud, joyful shout like “Heyyy” or “Alright!”. He maintained a positive attitude of life through all the ups and downs. George loved to laugh and had a great sense of humor.

George was born March 24, 1932, in Cambridge, Massachusetts. He absolutely loved music and excelled at it. George played trumpet in his jazz band all over New England entertaining at nightclubs and special events. He joined the Navy and served 4 years as a trumpeter in the Admiral’s Band on the aircraft carrier USS WASP. Later, George earned a Bachelor’s degree in music from Boston University and then a Master’s degree in music from the University of Southern California.

George’s professional career was centered on education. He began his educational career as a music and band teacher in secondary schools, and then moved on to help students as an elementary school counselor. During this time, George also served as the President of Big Brothers of Ventura County.

He obtained his Ph.D. in Educational Psychology from Walden University. This allowed him to take on positions of more responsibility as the Director of Child Welfare and Attendance at the district and county level in Ventura. He later moved on to serve as a consultant to the National School Safety Center and was published along with his wife Shirley in an article, Juvenile Justice in Schools, in

“Crime Prevention Review”.

George and Shirley were devoted in their great love for each other! Their partnership spanned more than 40 years of love, friendship, and support. This love and support was a constant throughout their loving relationship.

George loved music, travel, sailing, doing crossword puzzles (in ink!), theater and movies. But most of all, he enjoyed and loved his family. Many great times were spent together as a family, and later in life, inviting everyone into their homes where he and Shirley lived. George had the ability to make everyone he came into contact with, feel his joy, his warmth, and his great enthusiasm for life. Through parenting, counseling, and life guidance, George touched many lives, but none more than his family’s. Our time together with George will be cherished and dearly missed.

George is survived by: Wife, Shirley Ruge-Levine of Indian Wells, CA; Sons, Mark (Kathy) Levine of Little Elm, TX, Mike (Lori)Levine of Laguna Beach, CA, and Tom (Melanie) Levine of El Dorado Hills, CA; Stepchildren, Scott (Edie) Ruge of Newberry Park, CA, Tracy (Dave) Folkes of Palm Desert, CA, and Brent (Felne) Ruge of Hong Kong; Grandchildren, Zachary Levine of Laguna Beach, CA, Jacob Levineof Laguna Beach, CA, Lindsey Levine of El Dorado Hills CA, Ryan Ruge of Fullerton, CA, Jacqueline Ruge of Newberry Park, CA, and Taylor Ruge of Burbank, CA; and Ex-Spouse, Stephanie Levine of Ventura, CA.

A Committal Service will be held at Riverside National Cemetery 22495 Van Buren Blvd, Riverside, CA 92518 on Monday, March 26, 2018 at 1:15 PM, Staging Area #2.

Arrangements entrusted to Trident Society Rancho Mirage, Rancho Mirage, CA