Samuel Levy (March 17, 1876 – March 15, 1953) was an American lawyer, businessman, and public official, who served asManhattan Borough President.
Levy was born inNew York City on March 17, 1876, to aJewish family. He graduated from the University of the City of New York (nowNew York University) in 1894 and received a law degree fromNew York Law School in 1896. In addition to maintaining a law practice, Levy was a successful businessman, with his primary interests being real estate investment and development.[1][2]
ADemocrat, he served on the New York Board of Education from 1929 to 1931.[3]
In 1931, Levy was appointed to complete an unexpired term as Manhattan Borough President.[4][5][6] He won election to a full four-year term in 1933.[7] Levy considered a run forMayor in 1937.[8][9] He instead backedSenatorRoyal S. Copeland for Mayor, and sought the nomination forNew York City Council President in the Democratic and Republican primaries. He was defeated byNewbold Morris in the Republican primary and also lost his bid for the Democratic nomination.
After leaving office, Levy returned to his legal and business interests.[10][11]
Levy was also involved in several educational and civic causes, including serving as Chairman of theYeshiva University Board of Trustees.[12][13]
Levy died in New York City on March 15, 1953, two days before his seventy-seventh birthday.[14][15][16] He was married to Sadie (Vesell).[17] His son, Lawrence, married Beta Rothafel, the daughter of theatrical impresario and entrepreneurSamuel Roxy Rothafel. Through his granddaughter, Penny (Levy), Samuel is the great-grandfather of actressAmanda Peet.[18]
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| Preceded by | Borough President ofManhattan 1931–1937 | Succeeded by |
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