Sydney Allen Levy

Syd was born on September 17, 1929 in Hamilton, Ontario, and graduated from Central Collegiate Institute in 1949. He worked in sales in Central Ontario into his late 30s.

Syd met the love of his life, Marianne, on a beach in Miami in 1967. Marianne described Syd as “dynamic and curious.” They married in 1968 and formed a partnership in business that included many unique and innovative ventures. Shortly after their marriage, they moved to Orlando and founded United Trophy Mfg., which grew to be one of the nation’s largest trophy manufacturers. In 1982, they opened Flea World & Fun World, which was ranked as one of North America’s largest flea markets, with over 2.5 million attendees annually.

Syd and Marianne travelled the globe together, and they each shared a joy of life and each other until Marianne’s passing in 2011. Syd and Marianne loved St. Patrick’s Day, and annually invited many notables to their Maitland home for “O’Levy’s St. Patty’s Day Party,” complete with robust singing of Irish songs and traditional Irish food.

Syd was a noted philanthropist and supported many worthwhile causes. Notably, in 2013 he provided the funding for the Red Tails Monument honoring the Tuskegee airmen, which stands outside the Orlando Science Center. Syd had a deep love for children, and provided a significant gift that allowed Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida to purchase the Syd & Maryanne Levy Service Center in 2011.

Both of Syd's children Linda Susan Bradford (William) and Glenn Allen Levy predeceased him. Syd is survived by his brother, Gerald (Jo), sister Joan Hauge (Arnie), Morrie (Terri), grandson Bobby Bradford (Sara) and three beautiful great grandchildren Sienna, Emilia, and Atom. Syd is also survived by his new love Gloria Doscher.

Syd’s other passion was his work. Syd worked each day at United Trophy, and he enjoyed meeting his customers’ needs with high quality, reasonably priced trophies and other recognition products—he derived the greatest joy from creating awards that were unique. An idea man, Syd loved the creative side of his enterprises. He had a great love for and appreciation of the people who worked with him and for him. His generosity extended to his employees, and he was much beloved by them.

In lieu of a funeral service, the family will be hosting a celebration of Syd’s life on Syd’s favorite holiday – St. Patrick’s day. The time and location of the celebration to be announced. In lieu of flowers donations should be made to Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida and the Orlando Science Center.