I would like to talk about my friend Barry Levine, a most unique individual and a Homer Township Library trustee whom I grew to love. Barry passed away Wednesday, April 29th of unknown causes. He was listening to a recorded book at the time and I think he would have thought it quite proper that he left us doing something he so enjoyed. But he left us much too soon.Barry had three passions in life. The first was his family, wife Phyllis DiMonte-Levine, and their three children: Randy, Rachael and Sarah. They were the light and joy of his life and he spoke of them often. His other two passions involved improving service for the blind and physically disabled and advocating for libraries and their services. He often combined both, successfully contributing to advancing library services for the blind and physically challenged. Barry and Phyllis are the owners of an outpatient rehabilitation center, Functional Therapy and Rehabilitation, PC in Homer Glen. Barry was a popular and respected individual in local, state, and system library and accessibility arenas and he made a true difference in many lives.
Barry was recognized in 2001 by the Illinois Library Association and received the Trustee of the Year Award for his advocacy and efforts in the library world. In 2004 Barry received the Alexander J. Skrzypek Award for his outstanding contributions to library service for the blind and physically challenged. He was a mover and a shaker who prided himself on rarely missing one board meeting at either the local or system level in a combined total of 18 years. Barry was a true visionary, contributing to effectively moving libraries into the future and embracing service for all.
I think that I will end by telling you that Barry Levine was a dedicated, positive, proactive, and thoughtful man. He was also eloquent and very funny. I enjoyed both his intelligence and his wit; he loved a good story and shared many with us.
His motto was: "Become involved and stay involved in your community, where you can make a difference." He loved his life, he lived his motto. He made a difference. He left us too soon. And he will be greatly missed.
I wish I had one last opportunity to say "Thank you, Barry...you made a huge impact in my life and I am a better person for having known you."
