Bertram Levinstone

Bertram Levinstone, 93, of Basking Ridge died Feb. 6, 2015. He was born in New York City.

Dr. Levinstone practiced medicine for more than 50 years at Beth Israel Hospital, St. James Hospital, and St. Barnabas Medical Center, where he was the clinical chief of surgery from 1980 to 1983. In addition to his private practice, he was a professor of surgery at UMDNJ and a lecturer in surgery at Mt. Sinai Medical School.

A graduate of Newark’s Weequahic High School, he won a four-year scholarship to Muhlenberg College. He also earned a full scholarship to the medical school at University of Pennsylvania.

He served in the U.S. Army at the VA Hospital in Lyons.

He was a member of the Essex County Medical Society, where he served on many committees and as editor of the Society’s bulletin. He authored numerous scholarly medical publications.

He served on the board of trustees of Jewish Family Service of MetroWest and the NJ Jewish News and the executive committee of the Metropolitan Orchestra of New Jersey, United Jewish Appeal, and St. Barnabas Medical Center Committee.

He was an accomplished musician, having begun the study of the clarinet at the age of eight. In 1946, he married Mildred (Rothfeld), an accomplished pianist, and together with their medical and scientist friends, they formed a group, the Chemedi Players. He helped found the Y Orchestra, now the Metropolitan Orchestra of New Jersey, and continued playing with them until his death. Over the past 10 years, he was a member of the Chatham Community Band and also played for several years with the Fairleigh Dickenson University Marching Band.

An avid traveler, he travelled to Russia with his wife and son, Daniel, in 1974, carrying medications and other assistance for dissidents. At age 81, he walked the Great Wall of China. At age 92, he spent 10 days driving the Italian countryside.

Predeceased by his son, Edward, he is survived by his son Daniel; four grandsons; and his dear friend, Miriam Miller.

Services were held Feb. 8 with arrangements by Bernheim-Apter-Kreitzman Suburban Funeral Chapel, Livingston.