Vladimir Levchinsky passed away peacefully on March 29, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer.
Vladimir is survived by his wife Marina, his children Yana Levchinsky-Grimmond (Dr. Brian Grimmond) and Stas Levchinsky (Sara Hearn), granddaughters Elia and Nora Levchinsky, mother Yeva, aunt Fanya Tsytrina, nephew Vladimir Beylin, cousins Dina Parsadanian (Ashot) and Michael Gimmelfarb (Stella) and numerous friends. He was predeceased by his father Boris.
Born in Leningrad (now St. Petersburg), Russia on November 24, 1952, Vladimir was educated at Physics and Mathematics Lyceum No. 239 and at The Bonch-Bruevich Saint Petersburg State University of Telecommunications, where he earned a M.S. degree in electrical engineering.
Vladimir was introduced to the United States during a visit in 1989 at the invitation of his cousin, Michael. Following that visit, he decided to move his family to America to pursue better opportunities for his family away from Soviet antisemitism. On March 30, 1990, Vladimir and his immediate family arrived in St. Louis, MO. In the years that followed, he led the way for the rest of his family (his parents, grandmother, aunt, mother and father-in-law, brother-in-law and family) to settle in St. Louis as well. The family is forever grateful to Vladimir’s American cousins, Nancy Brown, June Kravin and Phillys Kodner, and their respective families, for sponsoring them; and for the support of cousins Lee and Milford Bohm, and their family.
Once settled in St. Louis, Vladimir worked incredibly hard to achieve the American dream and support his family. He was delighted to become a Chesterfield homeowner just a few years after arriving. He was a devoted son and loving husband, supported his wife’s successful real estate business, and was so proud of his children’s educational and professional achievements. His grandchildren were his source of joy and he loved being their Deda.
Vladimir was an avid fisherman and a huge St. Louis Blues fan. He had a great sense of humor and was a foodie and an accomplished chef. He loved to spend time with friends and to cook elaborate meals for his loved ones. Vladimir loved to travel with Marina, especially when the trips were taken with his cousin, Michael and his wife Stella. Vladimir was a fiercely loyal friend. He leaves behind many friends from all over the world, many that he knew for over 50 years. Meeting up in different countries or getting tougher for milestones birthdays was one of his favorite things. Once retired, Vladimir’s other favorite pastime became fishing and he and his fishing friends had so many adventures of catching the big ones and swapping fish tales. Vladimir was loved by everyone and will be deeply missed.
The family wishes to extend their deepest gratitude to Dr. Marcos Rothstein for giving Vladimir exceptional medical care and friendship. Through Dr. Rothstein’s care, Vladimir got another chance at life in 2010 through a kidney transplant. He was so grateful for Dr. Rothstein’s care then and for the following 15 years. The family also expresses their gratitude and appreciation to the medical and nursing staff at Barnes Jewish Hospital, who cared for Vladimir in his final weeks.
Visitation will take place on Tuesday, April 1 at 2 PM at BERGER MEMORIAL CHAPEL, 9430 Olive Boulevard followed by funeral services at 2:30 PM. Burial will follow at Beth Hamedrosh Hagodol Cemetery, 9125 Ladue Road.
Memorial contributions preferred to the National Kidney Fund, 1001 Craig Road, Ste. 480, St. Louis, MO 63146. Please visit bergermemorialchapel.com for more information.
