"One generation teaches the next..."
"One generation teaches the next generation, and we talk a lot about doing the right thing and treating people the way we would want to be treated.” -Ira Levinson
Max Levinson
In the late 1880's, a young, determined Russian immigrant named Max Levinson arrived in East Baltimore. Max Levinson first got started in funeral transportation, which later grew into funeral home ownership.
Max Levinson with his wife Belle. In his arms is his daughter, Sarah, and standing is his daughter, Esther.
First Levinson Funeral Home
In 1892, Max opened the first funeral home to serve the specific needs of the Jewish community. The first funeral home, located on High Street, combined funeral service with a livery stable, which was essential at the time, because he was relied upon to safely proceed to the Jewish cemeteries by horse and buggy.
The Great Baltimore
Fire of 1904
Fire of 1904
Max Levinson's funeral home was destroyed during the Baltimore fire of 1904. The fire destroyed much of central Baltimore, including over 1,500 buildings covering an area of some 140 acres.
Second Generation
Emanuel and Sol Levinson were stationed at Baltimore's Ft. McHenry at the government's Grave Registration department during World War I. After World War I, Sol and Emanuel joined in the family business and, abiding by Max Levinson's wishes, the funeral home was renamed Sol Levinson and Bros. David Levinson joined his brother and father in the family business, as well.
Left to Right: Emanuel Levinson, Sol Levinson, and David Levinson
East Baltimore Street
In 1911, the funeral home moved
to 1127 E. Baltimore Street.
to 1127 E. Baltimore Street.
North Avenue
In 1937, Sol Levinson & Bros. moved to a larger facility on North Avenue. During this time, it was most common for funeral services to take place in our chapel, however sometimes both funeral arrangements and services were held in the family's home.
Third Generation
During the 1940's and 1950's, Sydney, Jack, Burton and Stanley entered the business.
Left to Right: Sydney Levinson, Jack Levinson, Burton Levinson, Stanley Levinson
6010 Reisterstown Road
Sol Levinson & Bros. opened a new building at 6010 Reisterstown Road in 1960, becoming the premier funeral home serving the Jewish community in the Baltimore area.
Fourth Generation
During the 1970's and 1980's, the fourth generation - Ira, Irv and Ellensue Levinson entered the business, carrying on the Levinson family dedication to funeral service in the Jewish community.
In 1992, Sol Levinson & Bros. marked 100 years of funeral services. "Levinson Family Day" was recognized by Maryland Governor William Donald Schaefer on November 4, 1993; and in 1994, the Levinson family history in the funeral services business was chronicled by the Baltimore Jewish Times.
8900 Reisterstown Road
Our current building and chapels, which opened in 1996, is located centrally within Baltimore's Jewish community in Pikesville at 8900 Reisterstown Road. Our funeral home is specifically designed to provide comfort and privacy to grieving families.
Fifth Generation
After over 110 years of Levinson's service to Baltimore's Jewish community, Matt Levinson entered the business in 2004.
Columbia Arrangement Center
In 2014, Sol Levinson & Bros. opened a second location to serve families in Columbia, Howard County and the surrounding areas. The Columbia Arrangement Center is a warm, intimate space where families can meet with a Funeral Director to make funeral arrangements, plan in advance, and meet with bereavement groups.
125th Anniversary Volunteer Initiative
In 2017, the Sol Levinson & Bros. 125th Anniversary Volunteer Initiative project was dedicated to the memory of Burton H. Levinson, a third generation member of the Levinson family, who died in 2015. The initiative focuses on our dedication to the community, with the goals of Action, Caring, and Tikkun Olam (repairing the world).
Annapolis Arrangement Center
In 2019, Sol Levinson & Bros. opened a third location in the heart of Annapolis to serve families in Anne Arundel County and the surrounding areas. Families can meet in our Annapolis Arrangement Center with a Funeral Director to make funeral arrangements, plan in advance, and meet with bereavement groups. Fram Monument Company also joined Levinson's in this office to better serve families with their monument needs.
