Charles "Chuck" Levine

Charles “Chuck” A. Levine died peacefully at age 89 on March 26, 2023.

Chuck was born in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, the only child of Benjamin Levine and Erma (Pfeiffer) Levine on February 28, 1934.  He earned degrees from the University of Minnesota, Purdue University and the University of Denver, and served in the U.S. Navy.  Chuck was an avid reader of American history books and biographies, and built a collection of museum-quality Civil War memorabilia that he proudly displayed for local kids and other history buffs.

Chuck had a long career as an airline pilot and felt lucky to be paid to do his favorite hobby.  He started flying with Frontier Airlines in 1963 on Convair and DC-3 aircraft, forging friendships and a love of Colorado that endured for decades.  By the mid-80s, he was flying widebody aircraft on Continental Airlines’ international routes to Australia, New Zealand, Tahiti and the United Kingdom.  He was based in Honolulu and Guam for many years and relished the unique flying environment, tropical surroundings and close-knit culture he found in the Pacific Islands.  He retired from Continental in 1997 after a spectacular last flight on the B-727 “island hopper” route between Honolulu and Guam.  He served as a flight test engineer on non-passenger flights for several more years.

Chuck loved the outdoors and any activity that exposed him to fresh air and sunshine.  He participated in multiple marathons, including the Boston Marathon, and could often be seen jogging, walking or, later, riding in his cart in the state park adjacent to his home.  He relished annual canoe trips to the Minnesota Boundary Waters with his fellow “swampies” and international travel with his sweetheart Lucy.  He also had many happy hours with his family in the Arizona sunshine, and celebrated the end of most days with a healthy serving of ice cream.

An original resident of the Cherry Creek Village on the Lake in Greenwood Village, Chuck was the smiling center of his community for over 50 years.  He brightened others’ days with his unfailingly positive attitude, fearless approach to adversity and stories of a life filled with travel and fun.  Neighbors and friends could always be found gathered in Chuck’s home, and they played a critical role in supporting his sense of dignity and belonging in his final years.  He was grateful for their selfless generosity.  Chuck’s family also wants to acknowledge the professionals at Brighton Hospice and the Inn at Greenwood Village for their care and companionship.

Chuck is survived by son Kyle Levine and son-in-law Dr. Craig Pepin, of Seattle, WA, his daughter Melinda Levine of New York, NY, and his companion of 24 years Lucy Travers of Odenton, MD.  He was pre-deceased by his beloved miniature schnauzer Spaetzle.

A celebration of Chuck’s life will be held at on June 4, 2023, check back for the specific time.

Please share your memories of Chuck and condolences with his family by signing the tribute wall.