Erwin Alvin Levine

LAKEVILLE — Erwin “Win� Alvin Levine, 91, died July, 9, 2010. He was the husband of Ann Roberts Levine.

A longtime creative director at Ted Bates in New York City, Win was a witty, brilliant and legendary ad man.

“It melts in your mouth, not in your hand,� and “It leaves you breathless� were just two of his campaigns that became part of the social lexicon.

Win was born March 20, 1920, in Newark, N.J. He graduated from college in Alabama. “The cheapest one I could find,� he would say.

He joined the U.S. Air Force during World War II, attained the rank of captain and was stationed in New Guinea. His characterization of war: “Killing innocent people is hell on earth.� Two plane crashes during his war service resulted in lifelong back problems that contributed to his final illness.

 Win was passionate about jazz, Manhattan and Martha’s Vineyard, not necessarily in that order.  A date with Billie Holiday was his choicest brag.

Win was one of those “one off� original human beings who is already sorely missed.

In addition to his wife, Ann Roberts Levine, he is survived by two daughters, Amy and Nancy; two stepsons, Richard and Bill; a granddaughter, Ana; and many, many friends and peers from around the world.

The wartime injuries returned with a vengeance a few weeks ago, immobilizing and defeating him. As the illness deepened, his needs were met compassionately and efficiently by Salisbury Volunteer Ambulance Service, the doctors, nurses and hospice workers at Sharon Hospital and the nurses and staff at Noble Horizons. It was a seamless transition from life to death, for which he was grateful.

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