Charles David Levy

Charles Levy was born October 26th, 1935 to Corinne Scioneaux Levy and Gabriel Levy in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He graduated from Catholic High School in 1953 and attended LSU for one semester, then enlisted in the Marine Corps where he served from 1953 to 1956. He returned to LSU and graduated in 1959 with a B.S. in Electrical Engineering with an Electronics option. In addition to his studies, he served as selective service clerk for the university. While at LSU, he married Bernadine Ann Ricca, his beloved wife of 66+ years. During that time they had 3 children Dawn Elizabeth, Ann Charla, and David Samuel.

After graduation, he worked on Navigational Aids for the Federal Aviation Agency. In 1961, Charles and Bernadine moved to College Park, Maryland, where the National Aeronautics and Space Administration at Goddard Space Flight Center was interested in his knowledge of Navigational Aids. Charles contributed on the design of several scientific satellite programs among them was “Topside Sounder” (a study of the atmospheric degradation at various frequencies) and “Study of Enhanced Radiation Belt” (program to determine if the atomic bomb test at Johnson Island altered the Van Allen radiation belt).

In 1963, Charles and Bernadine moved to Houston, Texas where he was offered a challenge to work on programs at the newly established Manned Spaceflight Center (now called the Johnson Space Center). During the 20 years at the space center, he had contributed to the design, development, test and integration of electronic systems for the Gemini, Apollo, and Space Transportation Systems. He also served as Chairman, STS/DOD Avionics Working Group, US Technical Chairman on a joint US/European Space Agency program, consultant to the NASA Safety Panel and the DOD Safety Review Team, and a systems consultant to the DOD for the development of Payload Support Systems.

While they resided in Houston, the Levy family was active at St. Christopher’s Catholic Church. Charles served as an Extraordinary Minister, Lector, Director Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, and President of the School Board.

In 1982, Charles retired from NASA and accepted a position with Martin Marietta Astronautics (now Lockheed Martin), Houston Operations, where he served as chief engineer, Manager of DOD Classified Programs, then Manager, Houston Operations. In 1990, Charles and Bernadine moved to Littleton, CO. where he accepted a position as Program Manager of a Classified Program. He retired from Lockheed Martin in 1999 when they moved to Georgetown, Texas.

During retirement, Charles enjoyed playing golf. He concentrated on serving veteran needs and activities. He volunteered with the Texas Military Family Foundation and the USO at Fort Hood. He was active in the Georgetown Post of the American Legion where he served as Chaplain, Commander, 1st Vice Commander, and Judge Advocate. He was also a life member of the Williamson County Detachment of the Marine Corps League; served many years as its Chaplain, and a member of the Military Order of Devil Dogs. He was also a life member of the Texas Chaplain Association and Disabled American Veterans.

During his life, he received many awards from NASA, DOD, Lockheed Martin, Marine Corps League and Chapel of the Four Chaplains. However, his greatest joy was his family which he loved and cherished.

Charles is survived by his wife, Bernadine Ricca Levy of Georgetown; daughter Dawn Levy Browder and her husband Charles Browder of Fort Worth; daughter Ann C. Levy-Valdez and her husband Gilbert Valdez of Houston; son David Samuel Levy and his wife Dr. Mary Hewitt Levy of Baytown; granddaughters Adrien Valdez, Anna Browder, Loren Valdez and Corinna Levy; sister Marie Hilda Levy Bourg; nieces Denise Bourg Curtis and Laura Venincasa-Cox: and nephews Kevin Bourg, Doctors Mark and Michael Venincasa.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Corinne Scioneaux Levy and Gabriel Levy, and his sister Geraldine Levy Venincasa.

A visitation for Charles will be held Tuesday, April 8, 2025 from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Cook-Walden Davis Funeral Home, 2900 Williams Drive, Georgetown, Texas 78628, with a rosary taking place at 5:00 PM. Funeral mass will occur Wednesday, April 9, 2025 at 11:00 AM at Santa Rosa de Lima Catholic Church, 6571 FM9 70, Florence, Texas 76527, followed by a lunch reception at the church. The committal service will follow at 2:00 PM at Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery, 11463 TX-195, Killeen, Texas 76542, where Marine Corps funeral honors will take place.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, P.O. Box 100, Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 38148-0142, or the Semper Fi Fund, 825 College Blvd., Suite 102, PMB 609, Oceanside, CA 92057.