Allen Sanford Levin

Cantor Allen Sanford Levin, 85, of Roanoke, Va., died Monday, August 31, 2009. Born on June 26, 1924, in Cleveland, Ohio, he was the son of the late Louis M. and Lillian Baron Levin. After graduating from Cleveland Heights High School, he attended Ohio State University until being drafted into the Army. Allen served in Cannon Company 115th Infantry Regiment of the 29th Division during World War II. After landing on Omaha Beach on D-Day, he fought until reaching the Elbe River, Germany. He was awarded the Bronze Star; Army Commendation Medal; Purple Heart; European Theater Medal with Bronze Arrowhead and four Bronze Stars; and Combat Infantry Badge; as well as medals and certificates from the French Government.
After discharge he attended Cleveland Institute of Music, Cleveland College and Ashland College receiving a bachelor of music education degree. He taught in Ohio schools until entering Kent State University where he earned a master's degree in music education and school administration.
After apprenticing with a Cantor, Allen began his cantorial career at the Euclid Avenue Temple in Cleveland, Ohio. He served as holy day Cantor for Ohev Zion in Martinsville, Va., until becoming the full time Cantor for Temple Emanuel in Roanoke where he was designated Cantor Emeritus after retiring. In addition to his teaching and cantorial careers, Allen served as choirmaster and soloist at Methodist, Episcopal and Christian Science Churches. The National Conference of Christians and Jews honored him by naming him a Fellow.
In 1956, Allen began work at the Salem Veterans Affairs Medical Center as one of their first Certified Music Therapists. He retired in 1982 after treatment for cancer.
Allen served as President of the Therapeutic Section of the Virginia Recreation and Parks Society and Chairman of the Board for Registration and Certification of Recreation Professionals for the State of Virginia. He taught courses for Activity Directors for nursing homes and hospitals at VWCC and the UVA School for Continuing Education. He conducted national seminars in Therapeutic Recreation at annual meetings of the National Recreation and Parks Association. He also advocated for redesign of games and equipment to accommodate people with disabilities.
Allen performed in concerts in the United States and Europe and was a charter member of the Roanoke Valley Chorus. He was a soloist with the Roanoke Symphony and in several operas at Hollins College. He sang at Sherwood Amphitheater in "Thy Kingdom Come." His last major role was "Tevye" in Showtimers' production of Fiddler on the Roof.
Allen was active as a Cub Master and Commissioner in the Cub Scout program. He developed the overnight program for Webelo Scouts and their dads at Camp Powhatan.
Many who shop in the Roanoke area will remember Allen Levin, "The Real Santa Claus," at Towers Mall. He enthralled children of all ages for 14 years.
He is survived by his wife, Agnes McLeod Levin; brother, Merwyn Levin (Trudi); sons, Nathaniel and Jan; daughters, Sara (Robert Shaffer) and Anne Markham (Sam); and grandchildren, Benjamin, Thaddeus, Henry, Jeanette, and Naomi Levin, Annalise Shaffer, Hannah, Sadie and Erin Markham. He was predeceased by his sister, Rivella Pressel (Paul).
There will be a private burial at Arlington National Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 3 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, September 6, 2009, at Oakey's South Chapel, 540-989-3131. Memorials can be made to the Cantor Allen S. Levin cantorial fund at Temple Emanuel, Roanoke or the National D-Day Memorial in Bedford.