NEW YORK FRIEND AND BENEFACTOR OF TENNIS STEVE LEVY PASSES AWAY

Written by: Staff on 7th April 2017

NEW YORK FRIEND AND BENEFACTOR OF TENNIS STEVE LEVY PASSES AWAY |

Photo by Brett Connors Photography (@bretterz) via Instagram.

Steve Levy, a Great Friend of Tennis Passes Away. April 2, 2017

Anyone who had a love of the game of tennis from the early 1970s right up to today may have experienced the generosity and warm hospitality that Steve Levy offered on a regular basis throughout the tennis community of Long Island, NY where Steve lived.

Steve’s Long Island tennis friends were innumerable. and the list goes on and on. As a player, Steve achieved a high senior singles ranking in the Eastern Section.

Steve’s tennis relationships went far beyond the Long Island tennis community.

Tennis “Who’s Who” played On Steve’s well-manicured clay court in Kings Point, NY . A favorite was comedian and great friend of tennis Alan King. Tennis GREATS including The amazing Lew Hoad, Rod Laver, Fred Stolle, Roy Emerson, Stan Smith, Bob Lutz, Bobby Riggs, Pancho Segura, Richard “Pancho” Gonzalez all were guests and friends. The bright Broadway star Vitas Gerulaitis, and his best Buddy Jimmy Connors and Brett Connors and Lornie Kuhle. Eddie Dibbs, Peter Fleming, Charlie Pasarell and many more tennis greats all experienced warm friendships and magic moments on and off the “tennis magic carpet ride” with Steve over the years.

Left to right – Alan King, Steve Levy, Jimmy Connors, & Lornie Kuhle.

Very few people realize that Steve was the first sponsor of the US Open Junior Championships that began in 1973 when he was approached by Tournament Director Bill Talbert. That first contribution was followed by many more over the years, including sponsorship in numerous USTA Pro Circuit Events. As recently as 2014 Steve was a significant sponsor of bringing the USA vs. Great Britain Davis Cup tie to San Diego, California .

Along with his son Morris, Steve sponsored several Pro-Ams that involved Grand Slam Champions pairing with local Long Island amateurs, raising thousands of dollars for charity.

Steve’s love of the game and it’s players often went well beyond the tennis court. If a tennis player had a problem, Steve was often the first to reach out and help. (usually very quietly)

For decades, at the U.S. Open Steve would generously offer his box seats to many who would never have had the chance to experience the excitement of the night matches “ringside.”

A family oriented man, Steve is survived by Renee, his wife of 62 years, 3 children, and 3 grandchildren, all of whom shared his love and enthusiasm for the game of tennis.

Steve Levy will be sorely missed by the game of tennis, and irreplaceable in the hearts of many. We ️thank Steve for his passion and support for a sport that needs people like Steve to keep the fun and spirit of the sport less “cookie cutter”… An invite to Steve’s was the ultimate.

Topics: 10sballs.com, Steve Levy, Tennis News