In Memoriam: NAPS Board Member Eliot Levinson

NAPS Board Member Eliot Levinson died September 5, 2019 at home after a short illness. He was 77 years old.

Eliot was elected to the NAPS Board in 2018 and served on the Education Committee and Scholarship Committee, working closely with county school administrators and teachers. He also participated in events and projects, including the NAPS Earth Day Festival in Heathsville, Farm and Field Day at Northumberland High School, and the Northern Neck Land Conservancy Boots & BBQ.

Eliot was born in Brookline, Massachusetts, and also lived in Washington, DC, before retiring to the Northern Neck. A career educator and entrepreneur, he founded the BLEGroup, the first education technology consulting firm that brought together school leaders and the education technology industry. He also created Learn City, the first online curriculum focused on supporting children from low income families in their schooling. His work connected schooling to the world of digital resources, integrated technology into teaching, improved the quality of education technology products, and advanced the management of schools.

Eliot brought this expertise to NAPS and to the county schools, volunteering his time to spearhead STEM programs and provide technical advice.

After graduating from Middlebury College in 1964, Eliot served with the Peace Corps in Peru. He went on to earn a PhD in organizational behavior from Stanford University in 1978 and later served as the principal of Wayland Junior High School in Massachusetts. In New York City, Eliot was appointed to the executive staff of the first Chancellor the New York City Board of Education, a role that benefited from his lifelong interest in learning organizations and technological innovation.

After retiring from full-time employment, Eliot settled into life in Northumberland County with his wife, Bryna. He grew oysters, completed the Virginia Master Naturalist course and took up fiddle lessons. He and Bryna also raised service dogs, one of his greatest passions.

He is survived by his wife of 26 years, Bryna Brennan; his sons, Andrew T. Levinson (Stephanie Avila) and Jesse Levinson (Emanuelle); and five grandchildren.

Funeral services took place September 10, 2019 at 10:30 at Temple Micah, 2829 Wisconsin Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20007.

A memorial service will be held in the Northern Neck on Sept. 22 at 2 p.m. at Good Luck Cellars, 1025 Goodluck Rd, Kilmarnock, VA.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Canine Companions for Independence c/o Old Dominion Chapter treasurer, 3000 Ellesmere Dr, Midlothian, VA 23113.