Howard M. "Buzz" Levin, aged 78, passed away at his home in Wilson, North Carolina, on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, after a brief decline in health.
He was born in Brookline, Massachusetts on November 12, 1946, and grew up in Natick, Massachusetts after the family moved there in 1955. He graduated from Natick High School in 1964, and from the University of Massachusetts Amherst in 1969. His main career was as a high school math teacher, and while working he obtained a Master's Degree in Education.
After teaching at Dedham (Mass) High School from 1970-1972 and Wellesley (Mass) High School from 1973-74, he spent most of his teaching career at Hillsboro-Deering High School in New Hampshire (1974-1996), where he was also involved with coaching sports. He was at one point a certified basketball referee serving in a high school league and often used to say that his fantasy career would have been to be a major league baseball umpire. As for participation, his main sporting love was golf.
His later years were less focused, eventually moving from teaching to other jobs. In 1996, Howard moved to South Florida, where he lived for about 10 years before returning to Massachusetts. He then moved to the Raleigh, NC area in 2014, seeking a milder climate and lower cost of living.
Buzz was quiet and shy, and lived alone his entire adult life, but was very well-liked by those with whom he became friends, colleagues, or social acquaintances. He was direct and uncomplicated but always had a strong sense of humor. He was in many ways a quintessential baby boomer, and his enthusiasm for the Beatles, Beach Boys, and The Four Seasons - and of course 1960s music in general - was just as strong in 2025 as it was in 1964.
He is survived by his brothers, Richard Levin of Massachusetts and James Levin of the UK, three nieces, and two grandnieces. He leaves behind his beloved cat, Mollie, who has found a loving new home.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Marian Broisman Levin and David Levin.
A private cremation will take place, and his ashes will be sent to his family.
Condolences directed to Joyner’s Funeral Home and Crematory at www.joyners.net.
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