Retired Allen County Superior Court Judge Stanley A. Levine died Saturday morning at the age of 88, following an extended illness. A news release announcing his passing highlighted his long career on the bench and his contributions to the legal community and beyond.
Judge Levine was appointed to the Allen County Superior Court bench in 1998 by then-Governor Frank O’Bannon, the release stated. During his tenure, he served as the administrative judge of the Civil Division and presided over the Probate Court. He was also recognized for overseeing a significant courtroom expansion and modernization project, which subsequently became a statewide model for updating other courtrooms across Indiana.
His service to the judiciary was acknowledged by then-Governor Eric Holcomb, who, about a month before Judge Levine's retirement, awarded him the Sagamore of the Wabash. This honor recognized Judge Levine's service to both the judiciary and the state of Indiana, according to the release. He officially retired from the bench on December 31, 2018.
Before his judicial appointment, Judge Levine had a distinguished career in law and public service. He served as a legal advisor to the Fort Wayne City Council from 1984 to 1986. His leadership extended to several community organizations, including serving as president of Legal Aid of Fort Wayne, the Fort Wayne Jewish Federation, and the Allen County Bar Association. Furthermore, he was a member of the board of managers of the Indiana Judges Association and held the position of vice-chair of the Saint Joseph Hospital Board of Directors.
His commitment to service also included a military career. Judge Levine enlisted in the Indiana Air National Guard in 1963 and completed his military service in 1971. He retired as a captain and judge advocate of the 122d Tactical Fighter Group in Fort Wayne.
Even after retiring from the bench, Judge Levine remained active. He worked as an attorney at Yosha Law in Indianapolis. He also served as the Community Engagement Officer for Heartland Sings, a professional vocal company based in Fort Wayne. The release noted that he "could often be seen and heard around town singing his favorite songs," reflecting his continued engagement with the community.
Born in New York on May 10, 1938, Judge Levine graduated from South Side High School in Fort Wayne. He pursued higher education at Indiana University, earning a bachelor’s degree, and later his law degree from Indiana University Maurer School of Law in 1963.
Judge Levine is survived by his companion, Sharron Spangle of Fort Wayne. He is also survived by his children: Michael Levine (Jen) of Chicago, Alan Levine of Valparaiso, Kirsten Bouchard (Ronn) of Indianapolis, and Jason Mauer of Tallahassee, Florida. His grandchildren include Ben Levine of Chicago, Alec and Cole Bouchard of Indianapolis, and Silvia Mauer of Tallahassee.
Details regarding his memorial service are currently pending. The news release indicated that these arrangements would be announced within the next few days.
