“As the current Mayor of Worcester, I want to pay tribute to the indomitable spirit of former Mayor Jordan Levy,” wrote Mayor Joe Petty on Levy, who passed away at the age of 79. “The City of Worcester lost a true trailblazer in city government. Jordan was a true Worcester legend, known for his fiery rhetoric and unmistakable presence in our city’s political landscape. Jordan’s passionate speeches on the City Council floor were legendary, and he was never one to shy away from controversy. ”
Levy, who was born in 1943 and grew up in the Vernon Hill neighborhood, served on Worcester’s city council from 1975 to 1993, also serving as mayor from 1980-1982 and 1987-1983. From 1994-1998 he served on the state’s Governor’s Council followed by the Massachusetts Turnpike Authority.
Former Mayor Ray Mariano described Levy’s burst onto the political scene in a column for the Worcester Sun: “Jordan was elected in 1975 and landed on the floor of the City Council with a huge thud. He got everyone’s attention with his fiery rhetoric. Some loved him, others hated him. But no one ignored him.”
Following his career in politics, Levy became a popular, often controversial, but always independent radio host on “The Jordan Levy Show” on WTAG weekday afternoons.
City Councilor Kate Toomey wrote, “When he became ill and couldn’t do his show, we experienced a ‘great silence’ in the City. Whether he agreed with you or not, and he certainly let you know, he always treated you with respect. No one did more for kids than Jordan with the WTAG’s Christmas for Children.”
When Levy was elected as mayor in 1987, he became the first elected by popular vote in 40 years, the result of Worcester adopting the new “Home Rule” charter (similar to Plan E) in which the mayor must also run as an at-large councilor.
“We will miss his wise counsel and dynamic personality,” wrote Mayor Petty. “He was truly larger than life. Jordan Levy’s exuberance and dedication to Worcester will always be remembered, and he leaves an indelible mark on our city’s history.”
Contact Charlene Arsenault at carsenault@theworcesterguardian.org
