ROBERT LEVENBACK
Captain • NYPD • United States Army
T H E I R H E R O S T O R Y
Robert Levenback was born in 1923 to parents who had recently immigrated from the village of Zhetl, now part of Belarus. He was the youngest of 4 siblings and the first to be born in a hospital. The Great Depression was very difficult for the family. They moved frequently, living at various times on the Lower East Side, Coney Island, and the Lower West Side. He frequently worked in the family business, a small delicatessen.
In 1943, bored with school, Robert enlisted in the United States Army.
He was stationed in England, where he loaded bombs on B-17 bombers. He also met his future wife, an Austrian refugee. Together they had 2 children and 5 grandchildren.
In 1946, after returning from the War, Robert joined the NYPD.
He served with distinction for 40 years in uniform, mostly in the Bronx and Manhattan. The NYPD's meritocracy suited him, and he rose through the ranks to become a Captain. He also attended New York Law School at night and ultimately passed the NY State Bar Examination.
Captain Levenback was described as a “cop’s cop” for his leadership and ability to relate to patrol officers. He received the Asser Levy Award from the Shomrim Society in recognition of his service.
Robert was also a leader in the family. He set an example of caring, professionalism, and hard work. His legacy lives on in his children and grandchildren. We are proud of him and miss him.
H O N O R E D B Y
The Levenback Family