United Hospital Fund mourns the loss of Bob Levinson, a wonderfully generous benefactor and longtime treasured friend, who died on September 22 at the age of 97. He will be well remembered for his thoughtful philanthropy, expansive interests, and kind and caring ways.
Bob’s introduction to UHF was through his wife Pat, a longtime board member and vice chair of UHF at the time of her death in 2015. She was deeply committed to achieving truly patient-centered health care and equal access to the highest quality of care.
In 2017 Bob established the Patricia S. Levinson Fellowship at United Hospital Fund in memory of Pat. The fellowship supports the work of an established or emerging leader at UHF, working to fulfill Pat’s commitment to health care improvement and disadvantaged populations.
In his characteristic style, Bob took a personal interest in each fellow and prioritized meeting with them to learn more about their work and ambitions. He invariably was both engaged and engaging, affirming the importance of their efforts and inspiring them with his interest and encouragement.
Levinson Fellows at UHF are named annually for a maximum of three years. Peter Newell, director of UHF’s Health Insurance Project, is our current fellow. Past fellows include Pooja Kothari, former senior program manager of UHF’s Quality Institute, and Suzanne Brundage, who previously served as director of UHF’s Children’s Health Initiative.
Bob’s long, full life was a special gift to UHF and many others, but especially to his loving family. The board and staff of United Hospital Fund extend their condolences to Bob’s three children and to the entire Levinson family. Bob and Pat have made a lasting imprint on UHF and are remembered with respect and affection.
The Spring 2017 issue of Blueprint included this story about Bob and Pat Levinson’s generous support of UHF.