Obituary of Richard Wayne Levine

Toms River - Richard Wayne Levine, 68, died Thursday, June 9, 2016 after a long hard fight against brain cancer, with his family at his side. Born in Plainfield, Rich grew up in North Plainfield and had resided in Plainfield before settling to South Plainfield to raise his family. He was well known locally and served his community in a number of capacities, as well as councilman for the boro in the late 1980's. He recently settled to Toms River with his wife, Joanne. Working in Sales for most of his life, Rich initially worked for Sears Home Improvements and later for Petro Oil. A true handy man who loved helping others, Rich was the first to lend a hand to those in need and especially loved spending time with his family and at the Jersey Shore. Surviving is his wife of 46 years, Joanne (Sabino); two children, Michael Levine and wife Lisa of Bridgewater and Judy Czuba and husband Chris of South Plainfield; a brother, Robert and his wife Addie, niece Debbie Levine and a nephew, Danny Levine. Also surviving are a host of extended family and numerous dear friends. He will be dearly missed by his six grandchildren, Benjamin, Ally, Madelyn, Christopher, Harper and Grace. Funeral services will begin on Monday at 1PM in the McCriskin - Gustafson Home for Funerals, 2425 Plainfield Avenue, South Plainfield, NJ. 07080 followed by burial in Hillside Cemetery, Scotch Plains. Family and friends may gather in the funeral home for visitation beginning at 12PM until 1 PM. Shiva will be observed on Monday following the burial at the son's home in Bridgewater.