Tree Dedicated in Honor of Arthur Levine

For Arthur Levine, it wasn't about recognition — it was about doing the right thing.

That's the motto he lived by during his 25 years as a member of East Meadow Kiwanis, which was preceded by another 22 years with Syosset's Kiwanis. At Saturday's at , a tree was dedicated in honor of Levine, who died on April 1.

Also known as "Mr. Bingo," Levine started, implemented and executed a bingo program at A. Holly Patterson Extended Care for the past 14 years. Held on the third Friday of every month, he also funded the program himself, and he never asked Kiwanis for a dime to help.

"He was a soft-spoken man that did not speak very much," East Meadow Kiwanis President Mitchell Allen said. "But when he did, people listened. That’s the biggest respect you can get at Kiwanis."

Levine was an active member of the Nassau County Bar Association for more than 52 years. He was also honored by the Nassau County Bar Association in May of 2009 for 50 years of active service in the practice of law.

"It means a great deal to our family, because it’s tied to dad’s affiliation with Kiwanis," Jonathan Laico, Levine's son, said. "Tuesday nights, he belonged with the Kiwanis club, and he loved those guys dearly."

"I think that he would be very humbled by this," Levine's wife Ginnie said. "He was a very quiet man who did many things for people, but he was always under the radar. He was just a very humble guy who always did what he thought was the right thing to do."

What are your memories of Arthur Levine? Tell us in the comments.