[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 45 (Thursday, March 31, 2011)]
[Senate]
[Page S2042]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                  TRIBUTE TO IRVING AND PHYLLIS LEVITT

 Mr. COONS. Mr. President, today I wish to honor Irving and 
Phyllis Levitt and their lives of service to my home State of Delaware 
and their community in Dover.
  For over 40 years, both Irving and Phyllis have been consummate 
activists, educators, community leaders, and patrons of the arts. Their 
contribution to Dover and to the First State can be measured in the 
thousands of lives they have enriched. Since arriving in Delaware in 
1966, Irving and Phyllis have tirelessly demonstrated their concern for 
others and their commitment to the causes they hold dear.
  For decades, Irving Levitt worked passionately in public service, 
filling a number of important roles at the Social Security 
Administration in Dover and Wilmington. Later, he served on the Dover 
Utility Commission and was elected a city councilman. For 15 years, 
Irving served as the Governor's appointee to the State's Accident 
Referral Board, and he was also a member of the State Board of Nursing.
  Phyllis brought the joy of English language and literature to 
hundreds of students during her 25 years as a teacher at Dover High 
School. In addition to her teaching and her devotion to the Dover High 
students, Phyllis served on numerous State education commissions and 
led the Delaware chapter of the National Organization of Teachers of 
English. She also spent several years teaching English at Wesley 
College and an English teacher training course at the University of 
Delaware. Following her retirement in 1992, Phyllis chaired the State 
Humanities Council, served on the Governor's Committee on the Arts, and 
transformed the Dover Art League from a small volunteer group into a 
major nonprofit that enriches lives throughout Kent County. Moreover, 
Phyllis chaired the Delaware chapter of the American Civil Liberties 
Union and, during her retirement, continued to advocate for causes of 
justice on the street corners of our State capital. Irv and Phyllis 
together regularly participated in marches, protests, and campaigns to 
improve conditions for the poor, for migrant workers, and for all who 
suffered injustice. They became fierce advocates for human rights.
  As members of Congregation Beth Sholom, both served in leadership 
roles, with Phyllis presiding over the Sisterhood and Irving leading 
the Brotherhood and later presiding over the synagogue. Their 
involvement included roles with Hadassah, Israel Bonds, and the Jewish 
Community Relations Council in Dover. Jewish life continues to flourish 
in our State in part because of their devotion to the Delaware Jewish 
community and their involvement with interfaith and multicultural 
outreach programs.
  Together, Irving and Phyllis Levitt exemplify that ancient 
commandment found in Deuteronomy: ``Justice, justice you shall 
pursue.'' I am proud to be their friend, and I join in congratulating 
them on the occasion of a dinner in their honor on April 3. May they 
continue to serve as a beacon of justice in our community and an 
example for young people throughout our State.

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