Statement from City Attorney Dennis Herrera on the passing of Wallace Levin

“Wally Levin was San Francisco through and through. His family has been a part of this city’s fabric for over a century.”

SAN FRANCISCO (July 21, 2021) – City Attorney Dennis Herrera released the following statement on the death of longtime City Attorney’s Office Investigator Wallace Levin, a third generation San Franciscan, veteran of the Korean War, and a champion of all veterans. He recently passed away at the age of 91:

City Attorney Dennis Herrera

“Wally Levin was San Francisco through and through. His family has been a part of this city’s fabric for over a century. We share in their mourning and loss. In our grief, we still stand in amazement at the tremendous life that Wally led. After his service to our country in Korea, Wally went on to be a champion for veterans. He was instrumental in renaming a section of Highway 1 as Veterans Boulevard, he chaired the Mayor’s Memorial Day Citizens Committee, and worked tirelessly to support the Veterans’ Day Parade. In his day job, he was a legend in the City Attorney’s Office, where he served as an investigator for 15 years – well into his 80s. Even at that advanced age, Wally’s cunning, determination, sweet nature, and good old-fashioned street smarts proved spectacular in every way. He single-handedly tracked down, and had coffee with, the most reluctant and hard-to-find witnesses. He prided himself on taking on tough assignments, finding those who didn’t want to be found. It was with great reluctance that he retired in 2016 at the age of 86. Wally was a joy. He was a character in the best sense of the word. He never tired of doing the right thing, and we miss him deeply.”

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