Len Levy 1924 to 2008

Len Levy, my first photography instructor and mentor passed away yesterday. He had been sick the last few years, and to be honest with you, I was so surprised this morning when I learned of his age. Len was one of those guys who looked and acted like he was 20 or even 30 years younger. I would have guessed the he was in his 60's, not his 80's.

Len was one of those men from the 20th century who lived an amazing life. Born here in the US to Jewish immigrant family, he also served in World War II, and participated in the landing at Normandy, France to liberate Europe. After the war, he settled in Salem, MA, where he operated a very successful photography studio for 40 years. But, it was through his teaching of both photography as a craft and business that made him one of the most loved photographers in New England, and around the US.

When I took my first photography class with him, he spotted me right away and invited me to lunch. He was so interested in my life and my work. This gets said often, but for me, it will be true. I will never forget Len.

He was also one of the best joke & story tellers, I ever knew.