Robert Norman Levi is a great-grandson of San Diego Jewish pioneers Adolph and Eleanora Levi. Born in San Diego in 1951 to Norman and Rosalie Levi, Robert grew up in Point Loma. His professional life has been in publishing and marketing. In 1989 he began researching, preserving and documenting his family’s history and in 2004 he wrote a book on the subject: “Adolph Levi, The Life and Times of a San Diego Pioneer.”

Adolph Levi was one of five brothers who came to San Diego in the second half of the 19th century. Brother Simon (Ermance), a merchant and wholesaler for the Klauber & Levi Company, was active in both civil and religious communities. He was one of the founders and president of the Lasker Lodge of B’nai B’rith and the president of Congregation Beth Israel, as was his brother Adolph (Eleanora). Adolph was a merchant, rancher, livery owner and real estate owner with businesses and holdings throughout San Diego County. Both brothers were charter members of the Masonic Lodge. Simon served on many boards of trustees and was involved in civic affairs. Nathan, Rudolph and Isaac were merchants and livery men and Isaac became a judge in Julian. Their wives were founders and active in some of San Diego’s early women’s organizations.

Some members of the Levi and Cushman families remain prominent in San Diego civic affairs, business, and real estate.