Ralph Levin Lewis

Ralph Levin Lewis, 77, of East Petersburg, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully on October 29, 2026.

Born and raised in Houston, Texas, Ralph later settled in the Harrisburg area of Pennsylvania, where he raised his two daughters. He then returned to Houston for 20 years before moving back to Pennsylvania in 2025.

Ralph was a gentle, kind, and selfless man who appreciated life’s simple beauty and reminded others to do the same; whether admiring a breathtaking sunset, smiling at strangers, thanking service members, or extending a helping hand to someone in need.

He loved his wife, Vickie, wholeheartedly and openly. Family was at the heart of his life, and he never hesitated to tell those he loved how much they meant to him.

Ralph devoted much of his life to helping others through difficult challenges, generously sharing his time, experience, and compassion. Whether offering guidance, encouragement, or simply a listening ear, he touched countless lives and left an impact far greater than he could have known.

His many interests included jazz music, the Beatles, the ballet, the symphony, travel, good company, and good food; especially Texas barbecue, Tex-Mex, and sushi. He volunteered for 19 years with the Houston Rodeo Committee, traced his family history back to the 1700s, and had a particular fondness for fast Audis and Volkswagens. Thanksgiving held a special place in his heart for its simple purpose: bringing people together to share food, conversation, and time with family.

An avid IndyCar racing fan, Ralph could happily spend a Sunday watching the races, occasionally drifting off to sleep as cars circled the track. He may have been the only person capable of napping during time trials at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway; his daughter Erica has the video to prove it.

Ralph earned his Master of Business Administration and built a career in telecommunications. He valued education and the lessons gained through experience, and his professional life reflected one of his greatest gifts: connecting people and building relationships.

Ralph is survived by his wife, Vickie; daughters, Dr. Julia E. Lewis (Kyle Harris) and Erica M. Lewis Shema (Ryan Shema); grandsons, Brian Lewis Szeles, Dominic Lewis Roman, and Wyatt C. Shema; Vickie’s children and grandchildren; sister, Judith Lewis Turpie; brother, Mitchell Lewis; step siblings, Stephen Lewis and Andrea Cook; a niece and nephew; and extended family, including relatives with whom he formed meaningful connections through his genealogy research.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Elliott H. Levin and Marcia Brooks Lewis.

To honor and remember Ralph, a graveside Funeral Service will be held Sunday, November 8th at 12:30pm in Beth Yeshurun Allen Parkway Cemetery, 3502 Allen Pkwy, Houston, TX 77019 with Rabbi Scott Hausman-Weiss officiating.

At 2:30pm after the Funeral Service, the family will gather for a Celebration of Life at the home of Betsy Lewis. Her address will be shared at the Funeral Service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Lamplighters Beneficial Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Checks may be mailed to Lamplighters, 2425 FM 1092, Missouri City, Texas 77459.