Bernard Israel Levatin

Bernard Israel Levatin, MD, 91, of Sarasota, formerly of South Bend, IN, passed away December 26, 2014 after several years of declining health. His parents, William Levatin and Sonia Hirschfield, emigrated from Europe to Chicago, IL, shortly before he was born. As a youth he was a dedicated and excellent student. He pursued a career in medicine, graduating from the University of Illinois Medical College in 1946. He served his country as an officer and a medic in the U.S. Army in Europe during World War II. He married Suzanne Stiefler, of Marion, IN, and together they spent time in Panama and Florida while Bernard pursued his post-graduate medical training. Dr. Levatin then settled with his young family in South Bend, IN, so he could be near his parents and his in-laws. He worked as a dedicated physician (urologist) in Indiana for many years, before retiring to Florida in 1985. He then volunteered his medical skills at Sarasota’s Senior Friendship Center for several years. Bernard was a pillar of the community and was dedicated to providing medical care to everyone, regardless of their ability to pay. In his young adulthood he attained his pilot’s license and flew light planes for recreation. He was an accomplished amateur sculptor and spent many hours working in the studio he shared with his brother-in-law. Bernard is survived by his daughters Janet Levatin of Lakewood, OH, and Gail McLauchlan of Dallas, TX; his grandson Rafael Moses of New York City, NY; and his sister Libby Garnitz of Sarasota, FL. In lieu of flowers please make memorial contributions to Ben Gurion University of the Negev at http://in.bgu.ac.il/en/associates/Pages/Support-BGU.aspx. To send condolences and inquire about memorial services, please visit www.farleyfuneralhome.com. Farley Funeral Home, Venice Chapel is caring for arrangements.