Russell Stanley Levin, a maritime subject matter expert with the U.S. Coast Guard who helped develop the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS), died last Thursday, Jan. 29.
A resident of Waldorf, Maryland, he was 84.
Levin worked for many years aboard ships as a civilian mariner for the U.S. Merchant Marine and the U.S. Coast Guard. With the latter, he helped develop the GMDSS, an international, automated ship-to-shore satellite and radio system designed to instantly alert rescue authorities and nearby vessels during emergency situations.
The system — known as “the 911 of the seas” — has reportedly saved thousands of lives and rescued countless ships and sea vessels.
In his spare time, Levin was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed fishing, trap shooting and hunting. He served as president of the Saint Charles Sportsman’s Club in southern Maryland.
In addition, Levin enjoyed many hobbies such as sailing, playing and listening to music, fly-fishing, driving racecars and motorcycles. He was also a lifelong ham radio operator.
“Whatever captured his interest, he pursued wholeheartedly,” his family wrote on the website of Sol Levinson & Bros. “Russell’s life was centered on family, joy and an enduring sense of optimism. He appreciated the little things, loved to tell jokes and shared his happiness freely with those around him. …
“Russell cherished time with his wife, children and grandchildren, whether fishing together, building and flying model airplanes, sharing a love of music or taking family trips to Ocean City that became treasured memories.”
Russ Levin is survived by his children, Saul (Kim) Levin, Deborah Levin, and David Levin (Maha Armush); and his grandchildren, Katriel Levin, Aya Armush-Levin and Yasmeen Sheilah Armush-Levin.
He was predeceased by his wife, Sheilah Carol Levin (nee Sinofsky); his siblings, Ronald (Linda) Levin, Bunny Wise and Marlene Bond; and his parents, Rosalie and Harry Levin.
Services will be held on Sunday, Feb. 8, at 10 a.m. at Sol Levinson’s Chapel, 8900 Reisterstown Road in Pikesville. Interment at Swinicher Woliner Benevolent Cemetery, 6700 Bowleys Lane in Rosedale.
Contributions in his memory may be sent to the Susan G. Komen Foundation, 13770 Noel Road, Dallas, Texas 75380.
“Russell lived a full and generous life,” wrote his family, “and will be remembered for his joyful spirit, deep love for family, and the many ways he made life brighter for others.”
A committed philanthropist and community leader, Russel was president of R&H Motors.
The mother of four was a native of Winchester, Virginia, who spent most of her life in Northwest Baltimore.
The Columbia resident worked on the Gemini and Apollo space missions.
A St. Louis native, Edelman served as ambassador to the central African nation from 1987 to 1989.