Highlands Hospital receives donation
CONNELLSVILLE – John W. “Bill” Levergood was a quiet man. Born in the Dickerson Run, he attended Dunbar Township High School before being accepted to Carnegie Institute of Technology, which later became Carnegie Mellon University, where he studied chemical engineering.
“He was a brilliant man,” said Geraldine Cooper, his sister, as she talked about her sibling, his life’s work and his generosity throughout his 90 years. “He was a humble and caring individual.”
Levergood died in February after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease.
“He loved his family, cared for his community, especially the young people and never sought the limelight,” added Cooper.
Levergood’s community-minded spirit recently netted Highlands Hospital a sizeable donation that allowed the health care facility to purchase a non-invasive arterial device used to screen for circulation problems in the extremities and video equipment used to diagnose ulcers, colon polyps or cancers.
Overseeing the purchase was Levergood’s long-time physician, Dr. Albert K. Enany.
“I was honored that Mr. Levergood designated me to choose the equipment on his behalf,” said Enany. “Early on we formed a great relationship.
“He was a very astute man and we talked often of non-medical issues. He had varied interests and was also very inquisitive and community-oriented.
“We talked about character, competence and education.”
After graduation from college, Levergood began a long career with U.S. Steel in Clairton, often traveling to Europe to study the steel-making process, mill design and the perfecting of steel products, said Cooper.
At the time of his retirement, he was the superintendent of the byproducts division for U.S. Steel.
He returned home to Dickerson Run to help take care of his aging parents, but his life was not all work, said Wanda Murray, another sibling.
“He golfed and bowled,” she said. “He was very active for as long as possible.
“I remember helping him put on his bowling shoes so he could go bowling.”
Levergood was active with the Lions Club and his church, the Philip G. Cochran United Methodist Church, said his sisters, but their never-married brother always had a special place in his heart for children.
“He always wanted to do things for the children,” said Cooper.
During his final years, he laid out a plan that would assist in the development of young people, enhance his community and benefit those less fortunate than him.
In addition to Highlands Hospital, the Scottdale YMCA was provided funds to allow for local children to take part in activities and have transportation to the site.
Also a bequest has been made for new decorative lighting for the Dickerson Run community, a scholarship for a Connellsville Area High School graduate pursuing a science career, the Fayette County Blind Association, his church and the local library.
Cooper said that each of the donations had very specific criteria attached to it, including the hospital contribution.
“One thing he was specific about was that Albert (Enany) choose the equipment,” said Cooper. “He very much trusted his judgment.”
Enany, meanwhile, said Levergood’s benevolence sets a benchmark for everyone.
“I think he set a wonderful example for all of us with his generosity, not just to this hospital, but also to the various community organizations he supported both in life and in death,” he said.
Michelle Cunningham, hospital chief executive officer, said Levergood’s legacy would aid others.
“We are honored to have received this generous, unexpected gift from Mr. Levergood,” she said. “His generosity will benefit numerous members of our community.”