Phillip Levy

MADISON - Phillip A. Levy, 78, of Maple Bluff, passed away on Thursday, February 11, 2021 after a difficult struggle with metastatic cancer.  He was the first son born to Irving and Dorothy Levy (Barvin) on April 16, 1942 in La Crosse, WI.  Phillip graduated from La Crosse Central High School in 1960 and the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1964.  He is survived by his brothers, Marvin and Jeffrey.  He was predeceased by both of his parents and a brother, Marc.

Phillip was President of the Phillips Home Specialty Stores located in Madison from 1965 to 1985.  He spent 35 years leading the professional design team associated with the Phillip A. Levy Interior Design studio and furniture showroom.  In addition to his design studies at the UW-Madison, he continued his education at the famous Art Center College of Design in Los Angeles.  He was a professional member of the International Interior Design Association and served as the Wisconsin Chapter President for three years.  Phillip received many honors and awards, as well as being featured in numerous local and some national magazines and newspapers.  His projects in Madison included country clubs and University projects.  He and his team finished the interior of Olin House (Chancellor’s residence) in the Fall of 2008.  His many residential projects ranged in location from Madison to other parts of Wisconsin along with California, Florida and Arizona.

Phillip Levy’s community involvement included serving on the boards of the Madison Rotary, United Way, Madison Museum of Contemporary Art, Madison Opera, Madison Youth Symphony, Civic Center Endowment, the Madison Chamber Orchestra and the Madison Jewish Federation.  He was also on the Board of Visitors of the UW School of Human Ecology.  He was a dog lover and a Director of the Dane County Humane Society.  Phillip was a benefactor of the Mayo Clinic and a member of the Bascom Hill Society, Madison Club, Maple Bluff Country Club and Temple Beth El.  Suggested memorials can be sent to: Campaign for a New Wisconsin History Museum - 816 State St. Madison, WI 53706; Jewish Social Services of Madison - 6434 Enterprise Ln. Madison, WI 53719; and Olbrich Botanical Gardens - 3330 Atwood Ave. Madison, WI 53704.  A celebration of his life will be held at a later date.