Peter Leavitt

Peter Michael Leavitt of Blue Bell, PA, passed away peacefully on December 13, 2024 surrounded by love and memories.

Born in Brooklyn, NY, on April 26, 1938, Peter prioritized above all else a deep devotion to his family and community. Known for his infectious humor, keen mind, storytelling, and warmth, Peter was the heart of his family. He was a devoted husband for more than 30 years to his late wife, Taffy, whom he adored unendingly, often saying, "The essence of everything good that ever happened to me was Taffy." His love for his daughters, Karen and Amy, was boundless, describing them as the very substance and joy of his life.

Peter's spirit of service, instilled by his parents, touched many lives. He was a champion for the children of Pleasantville Cottage School. He contributed to many Jewish charities, particularly for Holocaust survivors. Peter and Taffy raised their girls in Chappaqua, NY, where he was a dedicated member of the volunteer fire department, from which he retired as a captain. He also served for years as a certified EMT-D for the local ambulance corps, always ready to help those in need. After retirement, Peter was an active Red Cross volunteer, serving at the World Trade Center site post-9/11 and running hurricane shelters in Florida.

In his professional life, Peter had a distinguished career in law and public service. After earning his bachelor's degree from New York University and Juris Doctor from Fordham University School of Law, he served as an Assistant District Attorney in both Brooklyn and Westchester County, NY. He later entered private practice before his election as a New Castle Town Judge and later as a Westchester County Court Judge. Peter taught law at Pace University Law School in his spare time, influencing and encouraging students with his expertise and mentorship. His legal acumen, dedication to justice, and commitment to fairness and integrity led to his appointment as an acting New York State Supreme Court Justice, the position from which he retired. Peter also spent five years as an entertainer with the USO, fueled by his experience working as a barker in Coney Island as a teenager and as a standup comic in the Catskills' Borscht Belt during law school. Peter served in both the U.S. Army and later as a major in the Judge Advocate General unit of the New York State Guard, reflecting his deep commitment to his country.

Beyond his public roles, Peter was a man of rich interests. He found peace on the golf course, captured life's moments through photography, loved entertaining his grandchildren with magic and card tricks, and spent countless happy hours in his workshop, crafting and creating. Toward the end of his life, he discovered a passion for Asian cooking, whipping up restaurant-worthy, delectable dishes. Peter's enthusiasm for cooking and storytelling lives on through his cookbook, The Senior Chef's Diet Cookbook and his memoir, From the Other Side of the Bench, sharing his warmth and wisdom with the world.

Peter leaves behind a legacy not just in law, but in love. He is survived by his daughters, Amy and Karen; sons-in-law Tyson Picken and Phil Gramlich; cherished grandchildren Alexa Joy, Zoey Elizabeth, and Jack Patrick; nephew Michael Leavitt; nieces Janet Brinn and Tamara Cacchione; Susan, Jennifer, and Jonathan Mirsky; Roberta Eden; and many other wonderful family and friends, all of whom will carry his memory forward.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Jeanette and Irving Leavitt, who were a pillar of strength for him; his siblings Richard and Lenore; and his beloved Edith "Taffy" Schur Leavitt, with whom he shared so many cherished years.

In his final moments, Peter reflected on a life lived fully, with no regrets, surrounded by the love of his family. His zest for life, sharp mind, caring nature, and infectious spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

The Leavitt family extends its deepest gratitude to the University of Pennsylvania Pancreatic Cancer Center for their brilliant care and for extending Peter's life far longer than the initial prognosis, in particular to Dr. Major Kenneth Lee, Dr. Mark O'Hara, Jeanmarie Fitzpatrick CRNP/MSN, and the entire UPenn hospice team. We are also deeply indebted to caregivers Samantha Bernstein and Collins Vokhiwa, who ensured Peter's safety and enhanced his quality of life.

In lieu of flowers, Peter requested donations be made to the UPenn Pancreatic Cancer HOPE Fund, which supports clinical research and patient experience improvements in pancreatic cancer care. This work is directed by Peter's oncologist, Dr. Mark O'Hara. Gifts can be made securely online via this link: https://giving.apps.upenn.edu/fund?program=MED&fund=604388

The family is planning to host a Celebration of Life memorial in the new year; the girls will be in touch with details in the coming months for anyone who would like to attend.