Harold Levine
Husband, Father, Grandfather, One-Man Band
“Nobody watches the store better than you.”
--Harold Levine
Harold Levine, my dad, has reminded me of this countless times. Over the years, it's taken on new meaning for me, and I've been able to apply it to many situations.
Currently, it means taking responsibility — for my family, my home, and my life.
No one has watched the store better than my dad, and there isn't a day that goes by where he isn't watching.
In the spirit of appreciating all he does, below is a brief timeline of his life and achievements.
Through the Years
1940s - 1960s
Harold was born on Tuesday December 23, 1941, in Glen Cove, NY. He was the youngest boy and number 6 of 7 brothers and sisters. He grew up working with his family and learning anything and everything he could from them.
While he learned a lot, there were two things in particular he's carried throughout his life — the value of hard work and never forgetting where you came from.
1960s - 1973
Over the years, Harold developed a tireless work ethic, as well as a gift for being able to do or fix anything. He harnessed these skills and started working as a road mechanic for Powers X-Ray Service.
1973 - Present Day
Although Harold got his start on the road, he eventually returned to where it all began — Glen Cove. He began working for himself and built his home away from home — Harolds Auto and Truck Service (HATS), or
simply, Harold's.
It wasn't long before Harolds Auto and Truck Service became the long-standing automotive repair shop for the Glen Cove Police Department (Fleet Services). The shop has been a tremendous source of pride and has
made Harold an incredibly well respected and honorary member of the Police Department.
1973 - Present Day
Harold's Auto and Truck Service has been a lot of things to many people over the years. To Harold, his life's work. To his friends, a getaway and an open forum. To his family, his home away from home.
Harold built a very successful business that allowed him to live life the way he wanted and enjoy it with those closest to him.
1980s - Present Day
Part of getting up and going to work every day is finding the motivation to do so. While Harold has always enjoyed going to work (even when he says he doesn't), his reason always was, is, and will be, his family.
1941 to Present Day
Harold has been a constant in so many lives throughout the years. It's tough to measure the impact he's had on those around him, but speaking for myself (and likely everyone else), a guy like him comes around maybe once in a generation.
He's been a lot of things to a lot of people over the years, but most importantly, he is and always will be, my dad.
The Measure of a Man
“The great use of life is to spend it for something that will outlast it.”
--William James
A Life Well-Lived
Growing up, I often heard that they broke the mold when they made you. To me, you were a prototype; number 1 of 1. Truly one of a kind.
You set an example of what's important — providing for your family, having an unmatched work ethic, and always trying to do right by others.
Above all, I've never known anyone who gave so much and expected nothing in return.
You've done all of this while maintaining all the qualities anyone could hope to possess...
Thank you for all that you do. Thank you for being you.