Obituaries

Marie Cavalcante Levy, 86, Mother of Former County Executive

Services are Tuesday and Wednesday for Holbrook's Mamma Levy, as she was affectionately known.

Just two weeks ago Marie Cavalcante Levy had a routine doctor’s visit and of course her son, former Suffolk County executive Steve Levy, made a call to check on how things went and talked with a relative to make sure his mom was safe home from the trip.

In ending the call the Bayport resident smiled and noted how his mom was still going strong at the age of 86.

But “Mamma Levy,” as she was known in local and political circles, passed away Sunday, June 30. She leaves behind Steve and his wife, Colleen; a son Kenneth, a physician; daughter Reverend Joan Levy and two grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

Marie Cavalcante Levy was the youngest of 13 children raised by Italian immigrants who arrived in the U.S. at the turn of the century. She grew up in Brooklyn and met her husband Andrew when the two worked together at an A&S department store. The couple moved from Glendale, Queens, to the family’s Holbrook home in 1969.

Find out what's happening in Sachemwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

She went into the workforce part-time once her children were grown, working as an office manager at her husband’s store and then later at Macy’s. Her most recent job was working as food server at Costco.

Observers relay she could often be found holding court at her food station with dozens of well wishes. Her personality was big, recalls Steve Levy.

"It didn't matter if the President or a governor was in the hall, my mom's bubbly personality was the biggest magnet in the room," said said. "She exuded a love of people that was extraordinary, and that love was reciprocated by everyone she touched." 

Daughter Joan relayed how family always came first.

Find out what's happening in Sachemwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

“Mom's pride and joy was her family. She always put others, especially her family, before herself," she said.

In addition to her outgoing and warm personality, Levy was also well known for her culinary skills.

"Mom's famous cheese cake, perhaps the best on the planet, was surpassed only by her renowned lasagna," said son Kenneth.

Viewing will be held at the Robertaccio Funeral Home in Patchogue on Tuesday and Wednesday, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Services will be at Christ Church Episcopal Church in Port Jefferson at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, July 5 with a memorial service to follow at Calverton National Cemetery.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here