Raymond A. Levandowski

Raymond A. Levandowski, 73, of Holland Township, NJ, passed away suddenly on Monday, November 16, 2020.

Born September 28, 1947, in Camden, NJ, Ray spent his youth in Collingswood, NJ. After marriage he lived in High Bridge, NJ, for fourteen years, and subsequently lived in Holland Township, NJ. He graduated from Rutgers University with a Bachelor's Degree in Education and from Seton Hall University with a Master's Degree in Mathematics. Ray then went on to earn his Doctorate of Education degree from Rutgers University. He worked as the Supervisor of Mathematics at North Hunterdon High School from 1984-2007 where he was affectionately known as “Dr. Lev” by his AP calculus students. Prior to that, he taught mathematics at Scotch Plains High School for 15 years. Following his retirement, Ray tutored for many years and also worked as an adjunct professor at Rutgers University where he mentored student teachers.

Son of the late Raymond J. and Helen (Peplowski) Levandowski, Ray is survived by his high school sweetheart and beloved wife of forty-nine years, Eileen Levandowski, his daughter Lauren Levandowski of Branchburg, NJ, daughter Karen Snyder and her husband Richard of Cherry Hill, NJ, as well as his grandson Reid Snyder. He will also be sorely missed by his sister Joan Zeberlein and her husband Robert as well as his in-laws Dorothy Crawshaw, Margot and Paul Crawshaw, and Sandra and Richard Crawshaw. He was predeceased by his sister Lorraine Levandowski on October 19, 2020. He is also survived by three generations of nieces and nephews.

As well as being a gifted teacher, Ray was an avid classical music fan; enjoyed scotch, wine and fine food; was a good cook and spent many happy hours biking the canal and roads in Hunterdon County. He loved nature and visiting national parks, train rides and tennis, as well as gardening and tending to his property. He enjoyed making memories with his family on the beaches in Cancun and Sea Isle City, Disneyworld and Tanglewood.

A funeral mass will be held on Tuesday, November 24, 2020 at 11 AM at St. Mary RC Church, 830 5th Ave., Alpha, NJ 08865, to which the public is invited. Masks and social distancing will be required at the church. Internment will be private. Arrangements are under the care of the Johnson-Walton Funeral Home, 24 Church Road, Milford, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Midland Adult Services, PO Box 5026, Branchburg, NJ, 08876. Details to follow regarding a possible scholarship fund being set up in his honor.

The family invites you to read a beautifully written article about Ray at https://www.nj.com/education/2020/11/popular-teacher-hailed-as-a-local-legend-loses-life-in-hit-and-run-accident.html.

Condolences

From: Kathy Feasler Creary
Dear Eileen and family ~ Andy and I send our sincerest condolences to all of you for this untimely and tragic death of your beloved Ray. Will keep all of you in our prayers as you deal with his loss.

From: michelle cibelli
Dear Eileen, Lauren and all of your family, My heart is very sad to hear about Ray. I have such fond memories of the time we all spent together in Mexico. Ray and your family are in my prayers, and I pray that our Lord, Jesus will minister to you now and always. With love, Michelle

From: michelle cibelli
Dear Eileen, Lauren and all of your family, My heart is very sad to hear about Ray. I have such fond memories of the time we all spent together in Mexico. Ray and your family are in my prayers, and I pray that our Lord, Jesus will minister to you now and always. With love, Michelle

From: Robert O'Rourke
I worked with Ray at North Hunterdon High School until 2000. We almost retired together, but Ray had second thoughts and continued teaching. He was a kind and dedicated teacher, and valued colleague. I am saddened by your loss. Bob

From: Christopher V. Sakos
The entire NHRHS Alumni sends their most sincere condolences. May he rest in peace.

From: Tracy and Morgan Mastrogiacomo
We are so devasted to hear this very sad news. Dr Lev was a wonderful man and excellent teacher. Praying for his family. You will forever be smiling.

From: John Deutsch
My heartfelt condolences go out to Marjorie and the Levandowski family. If you look up the word teacher in the encyclopedia, you would find a picture of Ray. Ray met every definition and then some for the meaning of a teacher. Teachers wear many hats. Frank McCourt, famous teacher and author of the Pulitzer Prize-winning autobiography Angela’s Ashes once was quoted saying this: In the high school classroom, you are a drill sergeant, a rabbi, a shoulder to cry on, a disciplinarian, a singer, a low-level scholar, a clerk, a referee, a clown, a counselor, a dress-code enforcer, a conductor, an apologist, a philosopher, a collaborator, a tap dancer, a politician, a therapist, a fool, a traffic cop, a priest, a mother-father-brother-sister-uncle-aunt, a bookkeeper, a critic, a psychologist, and the last straw. I would like to add one more in honor of Ray - Ray was a "Superhero Teacher" Ray seemed to take it all in with his joyful life with his family and friends. I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Ray. Ray will surely be missed but never forgotten. My prayers go out to the Levandowski family. Respectfully, John Deutsch NHHS Administrator

From: Jeanne and Gene Ferguson
Thoughts and prayers for dear friend Eileen, Karen and Lauren . May your beloved Ray/Dad rest in peace. God Bless

From: Tom and Bev Finnegan
My wife and I taught with Ray for years at Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School. When I became principal at North Hunterdon High School, I hired Ray as the mathematics supervisor. He was an outstanding supervisor and teacher. I believe he was the best AP calculus teacher in the country. I was very fortunate to have a close professional relationship with him. During many conversations, it was obvious Ray loved and was devoted to his family. We are saddened to learn of his passing. We express our deepest sympathies to his family. Ray is remembered by his colleagues, thousands of his students, and by everyone fortunate enough to know him. -- Tom and Bev Finnegan

From: Diane Lagattuta
My heartfelt sympathy to Ray’s beautiful family. I admired his intelligence and love of teaching. This is a devastating loss for all of you. I pray your love and memories will help you at this time. I love you very much. Aunt Diane

From: Brian Ferguson
I was so deeply saddened to hear of Dr. Lev’s passing. He was a wonderful man and an extraordinary teacher. He made a significant and meaningful impact on me throughout my career at NHHS. I am a better person for having known Dr. Lev and will always remember him, his smile, and his laugh fondly. May he Rest In Peace. Brian Ferguson

From: Lily Brady
I am sorry for your lost

From: Vivian Blair
Eileen, so many beautiful messages and stories about Ray and his impact on so many lives. I am heartbroken for your tragic, senseless loss. Sending loving thoughts and prayers, Vivian

From: Nancy Supko
Dear Eileen, I am so sorry about Ray. This is such a loss to so many people. Sending deepest sympathy to you and your family.

From: Gil Rose
Dear Eileen, Like yourself I am devastated by the news of Ray's passing. It will take time to process this immense loss for you, your family and his plethora of friends. You, Ray and I go back 53 years. You know our combined stories. That journey began when I was his roommate at Rutgers. Being the best man at your wedding is the visual I can go to in my mind. From there I can catalog our shared life events including celebrating holidays, amazing meals and of course Tanglewood. While I am sad to my core, I know that Ray will live in the vignettes of life we shared and in that sense he will always be with me. Sending love and support from Palm Springs, CA.

From: Joyce Cook
Eileen and family, please accept my deepest sympathy on your loss. Sending prayers for comfort. Joyce Campbell Cook ‘65 ‘

From: Kyle Heckler
Dr. Lev was the finest teacher I had the privilege of learning from at North. His desire to have me understand and become proficient in Calculus during his free time before class, during class, and then again after school for months on end was absolutely incredible my senior year. There are so many past students out there that have the same memory. We struggled all year, Dr. Lev and his wry smile would bring you to the chalkboard and you would suffer through your own incomprehension but come May, it was the same result, year after year. He was a great man and is remembered fondly by all.

From: Yvonne M (Adams) Knight
Dear Eileen and Family, So sorry to hear the news of Raymond's passing. Sounds like he was quite accomplished and that you had a wonderful life together. Raymond and I went to elementary school together. So sorry to hear the tragic news. My thoughts and prayers are with you Yvonne M Knight

From: Irene Curtis
Eileen, I was so shocked to read of Ray's death. You and your family have been in my thoughts and prayers. At this sad time, I wish you comfort in the days ahead. May the love of friends and family help you through this. Sincerely, Irene Curtis

From: Carol Yost Shapella
Eileen & family, So devastated on the news of your tragic loss of Ray. Please accept my sincere condolences. Sending Love, Prayers, & Support to all Carol Yost Shapella CHS ~ Class of '65

From: Terri (Ombrello) Riotto
Dr. Lev was the best of the best. My brother and I both had him for Calculus our senior years and remember him fondly. We are so sorry to hear of this tragic loss.

From: Roger Shutack
I was shocked to have read about the untimely death of Ray, a great teacher, and an even greater human being. Although we worked at different schools in the North-Voorhees District, we would often meet as District Department Chairs (when there were such titles!), especially when we were beginning negotiations for a new contract. I could always tell the respect all the North Supervisors had for Ray, because when he spoke EVERYONE listened! And when I used to meet with him individually, I never left the meeting without being impressed with his knowledge, his dedication to just causes and finding common ground, and perhaps most importantly, his great sense of humor! As Rutgers men, we shared a strong belief in not only helping our schools to become better, but to have all of our students succeed as well. When I read all the inspiring comments from his past students, I just nodded and smiled and thought..."That's so Ray! " The teaching world has lost a great warrior, inspiring motivator, and outstanding individual!

From: bruce montgomery
to the family of raymond, you don’t know me but i grew up in holland, went to delval and rutgers. i heard about that this tragic accident and only want to extend condolences on the loss of your husband, father, partner and wonderful person. i also know the driver, from school and other and regret that his problems manifested in your loss. i hope it’s accepted as intended as true sympathy.

From: Michele
I’m so sorry for your loss. I was a student at SPFHS in 1980. Mr. Levandowski was my favorite teacher! I was not the best student but boy did he try! I have thought of him many times over the years. He knew anyone could learn with determination and support. He proved his point with me! I spent many extra hours in the math lab. He was truly a special man and teacher.

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