Edward “Ed” R. Levandowski, 82

June 10, 2023

Edward “Ed” R. Levandowski, 82, of Lancaster, passed away on Saturday, June 10, 2023. Born in Cambridge, NY, he was the son of the late Cazmer and Kathleen (McGrath) Levandowski. He was married to his beloved wife of 60 years, Marion (Lee) Levandowski.

Ed graduated from St. Mary’s High School in Hoosick Falls, NY in 1958, and in 1962, graduated from St. Michael’s College with a bachelor’s degree. He completed USAF Officer Candidate School later that year and served in the US Air Force in Waco, TX for 3 years. He met Marion Lee through her brother, the late Colonel James W. Lee. Ed and Marion were married in June 1963.

After he was honorably discharged from the Air Force in 1965, Ed and Marion moved back to the Northeast. Ed went on to work for Montgomery Ward and then for 25 years at J.C. Penney until his retirement in 1997. While working at J.C. Penney in Manhattan, Ed commuted over 4 hours every work day from the family home in Willingboro, NJ. When J.C. Penney moved their headquarters to Plano, TX, Ed’s commute shortened to 8 miles — and he drove his trusty Yugo to get him back and forth.

Ed was an avid baseball fan and a lifelong follower of the Dodgers. As a boy in upstate NY, he listened to the Brooklyn Dodgers on the radio. In his golden years, he enjoyed watching games via MLBtv on his Kindle. He continued to follow the Dodgers after they moved to Los Angeles, and was overjoyed with their 2020 World Series victory. He was able to listen to the Dodgers defeat the Phillies 9-0 on the day he passed.

Here in Lancaster, Ed was a devoted parishioner of St. Leo the Great Catholic Church. He kept holy cards from his deceased friends and loved ones and had them organized like baseball cards, and by month, so that he could remember to pray for them. He began to attend daily mass with Marion. When Marion’s own health prevented them from attending mass, Ed created an at-home holy hour, which consisted of watching daily mass on TV and praying the rosary together.

He loved spending time with his family and was known for his generosity and sense of humor. He supported his grandchildren by attending numerous sports games, musicals, and concerts. He had an uncanny knack for remembering birthdays and was a stickler for sending thank you notes. He enjoyed reading historical biographies and eating ice cream. He used to say, “If we’re not eating, we’re talking about eating.”

During his retirement, Ed spent a number of years volunteering, whether it was teaching English to Korean immigrants, driving elderly religious sisters to medical appointments, or providing rides to church for those in need. Together with his wife Marion, he volunteered for several years at both St. Anne’s Retirement Community and Centerville Elementary School here in Lancaster. He regularly supported a number of charities including A Woman’s Concern, Water Street Mission, Girls and Boys Town of America, and the Special Olympics. He had an open door policy for family and friends who needed a place to stay. He truly had a servant’s heart.

In addition to his wife Marion, Ed is survived by 3 daughters: Ellen Brettnacher (Jeffrey), Mary Elizabeth “Liz” Baak, and Kathleen “Katie” Kiley; 6 grandchildren: Megan Baak Schubert (Austin), Andrew, Stephen, and Sarah Baak; Anna and Julia Kiley; and 3 siblings: Patricia Allard, Marie Deegan, and Rev. John E. Deegan. He is also survived by many beloved nieces and nephews, many of whom fondly remember him as “Uncle Sea Monster.” He was predeceased by his son Stephen, his sister Kathleen Hicks, his nephew David Lee, and his nephews David and Kevin Hicks.

A Mass of Christian burial will take place Monday, June 26, 2023 at 11 AM at St. Leo the Great Catholic Church, 2427 Marietta Ave, Lancaster, PA 17601. Guests are invited 1 hour prior at 10 AM. There will be a reception in the parish hall immediately following the funeral. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial donations in Ed’s name to A Woman’s Concern, 1102 Millersville Pike, Lancaster, PA 17603.

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