David and Tetiana Levine, soul-mates who died in house fire

David Levine, 55, and his wife, Tetiana "Tania" Levine, 58, died Wednesday, Oct. 5, as they had lived - together - in a fast-moving fire at their home in the Bustleton section of Philadelphia.

Known to neighbors as "just nice people," the Levines had returned home Tuesday night after dropping off their daughter in New York. Firefighters found them unresponsive on the first floor of their split-level home in the 9800 block of Bridle Road.

The cause of the fire was under investigation, the Fire Department said Tuesday.

"I still don't believe it," said neighbor Eddie Stenega.

Mr. Levine, a Pittsburgh native, and his wife, a Philadelphian, operated as a well-oiled machine. When after three decades as an options trader, he decided to reinvent himself as a home health-care entrepreneur, she became his partner.

In 2013, they acquired a franchise of ComForCare Senior Services Care. He led the company's marketing, sales, and business strategy, she supplied the soft touch.

"In every interaction with clients, Mrs. Levine showed generosity and empathy," her family said.

The enterprise succeeded, and Mr. Levine was named one of the Huffington Post's 50 Post-50 Boomers - or individuals who chose new career paths after age 50.

In addition to business, the couple doted on their family and shared an appreciation for travel, exotic foods, fine wines, and cooking.

He grew up in Churchill, a suburb of Pittsburgh, and graduated from Churchill High School. She was reared in Philadelphia's Ukrainian community, and graduated from Philadelphia High School for Girls.

Their paths didn't cross until he had graduated from the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School and she had finished an undergraduate degree at Temple. They both were living and working in Philadelphia when they met at a concert.

Mr. Levine called her "the love of my life." She called him "my soul mate."

They married in 1986 and set up housekeeping in Wynnewood before moving to Bustleton. Mrs. Levine dedicated herself to raising their two children, Julian and Monica, and Mr. Levine was the breadwinner.

Family members described him as "the rare kind of person who consistently asked others about themselves, and intently listened to the answers."

He enjoyed playing golf, and poker. "He approached poker like everything else he did, with an analytical and studious mind," the family said. "Always a lover of clever puns, David was quick-witted and funny, and could be counted on for a play on words."

Mrs. Levine was a natural caregiver, tending to her parents and the family's pet cats. At her children's schools, she was active with the Parent Teacher Organization, and dedicated hours of work to create a better school experience for students.

Inspired by her autistic nephew, Mrs. Levine volunteered as an aide to autistic children at Temple Beth Hillel's Bright Horizon program in Wynnewood. "She brought her gifts of patience and kindness to the project," her family said.

A gifted artist, Mrs. Levine enjoyed painting landscapes and human figures. She also was a voracious reader who relished conversations with her longtime book club friends.

"All who knew Tania can attest to her gentle spirit. Her easygoing nature immediately put people at ease everywhere she went, and [she] will be forever missed," her family said.

Besides a son and daughter, Mr. Levine is survived by his parents, Patty and Stanley; a brother; and two sisters. Mrs. Levine is survived by her parents, Nadia and Osyp Nimylowycz, and two sisters.

A memorial service for the couple was held Sunday, Oct. 9, in Ardmore. Mrs. Levine's Funeral Mass was Monday, Oct. 10, at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church in Jenkintown. The family will hold shivah for Mr. Levine from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 13, and again Saturday, Oct. 15, at Temple Sinai, 5505 Forbes Ave., Pittsburgh. Burial is private.

Memorial contributions may be made to Autism Speaks, Attn: Web Gift, 1060 State Rd., Second Floor, Princeton, N.J. 08540, or to Animal Rescue League Shelter and Wildlife Center, 6620 Hamilton Ave., Pittsburgh, Pa. 15206.

bcook@phillynews.com

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