Jack Levy wasn’t a horseman to begin with. He was in the nursing uniform industry, where he did wholesale, retail and catalogues when he got a call from Miller Harness Co., which was looking for a CEO with his skill set..
His experience got him the job and in what would be typical Jack fashion, he was off and running a few days later, flying to Germany to get immersed in the business.
A savvy executive who made the equestrian scene his own — to the benefit of companies with which he was associated — his kindness, caring and guidance also benefited so many of the people in the horse industry. Whether they were employees or just those who got to know him along the circuit, they all enjoyed something special when Jack became their friend.
He died Saturday at the age of 88 after a fall following his battle with a long illness.
“He’s a fighter, and he wasn’t going to give in,” said his wife, Fran, noting he would go to his desk in their Pennsylvania home every morning at 6:30 to continue his work.
“He was such a voice for this industry and for people riding,” said Fran.
Although he had never ridden before taking the Miller’s job, Jack did get on a horse in Argentina when he went to see a saddlemaker, and rode a cutting horse at a market in Denver during the National Western Stock Show, Fran recalled. Jack went on to work for Weatherbeeta and most recently, as a consultant for Timmy Sharma at JPC Equestrian.
Wherever he was employed, Jack was someone who believed in helping others.
Jack Levy was always willing to help.
“He understood that the success of his team was far more important than any individual success of his own,” said Rosemary Staeck, who runs the online company EquusNow, which specializes in English tack and riding apparel.
She got her start at Miller’s with Jack, and credits him with her success.
“There was no greater leader than Jack,” she said.
“I wouldn’t be where I am today without Jack’s mentorship and faith in me. He could build a team that had such passion and drive. He celebrated others’ victories with such pride.”
She remembered that when she would go to him with a problem, he didn’t give her advice. Instead, he would tell her a story and in it, she would find the answers she was seeking.
“You never left a conversation with him without feeling better,” she recalled.
“He made you feel like you were the most important person on earth.”
Jack, who also had worked for Weatherbeeta, went on to be a consultant for JPC.
Timmy said he had received an email from Jack the day before he died. Work was what Jack did.
“He opened up a lot of doors for us,” said Timmy.
“He was a true visionary. I’m so blessed he came into my life.”
Of course, like so many others, Timmy deeply feels the loss of a man who was one of a kind.
In addition to his wife, Jack is survived by his daughter, Donna Chirico; sons Robert (Julie), Justin (Shauna), Jon (Ferrin) and 12 grandchildren. He also will be missed by his Doberman, Fritzi, and cat, Max.
There will be a celebration of Jack’s life Sept. 22 in Westchester Country, N.Y., with details to come. Donations in his memory may be made to the U.S. Equestrian Team Foundation (USET.org). Click the donate button if using the website, specifying Jack Levy’s name when making the donation. Donations may also be made by mail at the USET Foundation, P.O. Box 355, Gladstone, NJ 07934-0355, or call (908) 234-1251 for more information.
