Neil Allan Levy

Neil Levy, passionate community advocate and local business leader, passed away on August 1st after a battle with kidney cancer. He lived a phenomenal life which reflected his most cherished principles: family, friendship, and service to others.

Born to Elaine and Philip Levy on September 13, 1953, Neil grew up in Albuquerque, New Mexico with two younger sisters, Debra Martinelli - Norman, OK and Karen Hudson (Tommy) - Albuquerque, NM. He graduated from Del Norte High School in 1971, and from the University of New Mexico in 1976 (because it is hard to throw a frisbee in a lecture hall). 

Neil moved to Colorado Springs in 1977 to help his father open a retail outlet, but it wasn’t long before he found himself in the restaurant business. He held various positions at the Hatch Cover, Peppertree, and Swiss Chalet restaurants until 1999, when he purchased the Swiss Chalet. In 2002, he purchased the Peppertree from a longtime friend. Neil owned and operated both restaurants until his death. Customers regularly called to be sure “Neil would be there” when they came for dinner. He used his knack for service and warm demeanor to ensure everyone felt at home in his establishments. 

Baseball was one of his utmost passions. An avid Yankee fan, he looked forward to Opening Day every year and loved to watch ball games with his sons. After his playing career ended, Neil held several coaching positions, leading the Albuquerque Reds Connie Mack team to state and district titles in 1975. He coached his sons on countless youth teams and was a staple in the Woodland Park baseball community. Most recently, he served as head baseball coach at Woodland Park High School. 

Neil was immensely passionate about the Woodland Park community. He strived to make Woodland Park a great place for business and family. He was an active member of the Woodland Park Chamber of Commerce from 2005 until 2013, serving as Board Chairman from 2012 to 2013. In 2014, he became Mayor of Woodland Park and held the position proudly until April 2020. 

Neil’s family was his life -- his pride, joy, and self-proclaimed greatest accomplishment. He married his wife, Paula, in 1991 in Colorado Springs and had three sons, Max (25), Sam (21) and Lou (19). No matter the event, no matter the time, no matter the venue, he stood behind his wife and sons as their #1 fan and most trusted guide. His family counts themselves lucky to have had such a positive, luminous, and steadfast father in their lives. Neil will be greatly missed by all who had the honor to know him. 

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Woodland Park Re-2 School District Foundation (P.O. Box 99 Woodland Park, CO 80866). All donations will go toward improvements to the WPHS varsity baseball field. Please specify on your check: ‘Neil Levy Baseball Field Improvements.’ The city will rename the field in Neil’s memory at a future date. 

A celebration of Neil’s life will be streamed via the internet on Sunday, August 9th at 2pm. The following is the link to the landing page:  https://www.ipgmedia.live/neillevy 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Neil Allan Levy, please visit our floral store.