Dr. Sander J. Levinson

Sander J. Levinson, M.D., 78, of South Abington Township, died Monday afternoon in Regional Hospital of Scranton.  He is survived by his wife, the former Kimberly A. Kalafut.

Born in Scranton, son of the late Dr. Jerome G. and Gatell Moskovitz Levinson, he was a graduate of Scranton Central High School, Class of 1961.  He went on to study at the University of Scranton and Temple University where he attained his B.S. in Biology.  He later graduated from Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia where he received his Doctorate of Medicine in 1969.

Upon completion of his studies, Dr. Levinson fulfilled his postgraduate training at both Thomas Jefferson University and Temple University Hospitals in 1974, after which he returned home to Scranton and began his career as a pulmonary specialist at Mercy Hospital and Moses Taylor Hospital where he remained until 2011.  While there, Dr. Levinson held numerous appointments and he served as Chairman of the Medical Staff Credential Committee, Director and Chairman of Intensive Care Committee, Director of the Coal Workers’ Respiratory Disease Clinic, and Director of Respiratory Care Services and Pulmonary Function Laboratory at both facilities. He additionally was active with care services at Community Medical Center for over 30 years and served as medical director at the Jewish Home of Eastern Pennsylvania since 1976. He was a member of the Executive Board of the Lackawanna County Medical Society and a corporate member of the board for Pennsylvania Blue Shield for many years, and upon closing his medical practice in 2011, he was appointed as Chief Medical Officer at Regional Hospital of Scranton.

As well as his exemplary work in the field of medicine, Dr. Levinson held several teaching appointments as professor at Temple University School of Medicine and Luzerne County Community College, and was a highly regarded lecturer on pulmonary diseases.  He was a guest speaker at the U.S. Department of Labor where he articulated the studies being done on the course of pathogens and disease that affected those working within the coal mining industry. Most recently, Dr. Levinson lectured at the Commonwealth Medical College with primary focus on pulmonary function, evaluation, and treatment.  He also served as Medical Consultant for the United States Department of Labor, Medical Advisor for the Office of Hearings and Appeals within the Social Security Administration for nearly 30 years, and even served as an expert witness in various court hearings.  In addition to his participation in the operatives of a vast number of medical organizations, Dr. Levinson was a member Temple Hesed in Scranton.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by daughters Lisa Feldman and husband Andrew of Florida, and Melissa Zyats of South Abington Township; sons Michael Levinson of Florida, and Jared Levinson of Brooklyn, NY; grandchildren Sydney and Max Feldman of Florida, and Rita Zyats of South Abington Township; his brother Dr. Nat E. Levinson and wife Nancy of North Abington Township; as well as nieces and nephews.

He was also preceded in death by his brother, Edward Levinson. Sander will always remain in memory with his infamous whistle hummed and known by heart to all of his children.

The funeral will be Thursday at 1 p.m. in the Carlucci-Golden-DeSantis Funeral Home, Inc., 318 E. Drinker St., Dunmore, with services by Rabbi Dovid Saks.  Interment to follow in Temple Hesed Cemetery, Dunmore.

Friends may pay their respects from noon until the time of service.

Shiva will be observed at the family residence on Thursday evening from 4-7 p.m.; and Friday afternoon from noon until 3 p.m.

Contributions in Dr. Levinson’s memory may be made to the donor’s favorite charity.

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