Virginia Beach—Captian Lev Shikhman, Soviet Naval Engineer, Retired, weighed anchor Friday, March 24, 2017 to rendezvous with his beloved wife, Roza in God’s Heaven to complete one of the greatest love stories of life.
Born May 31, 1924 in Russia, Lev was destined as a mathematical genius to become an engineer under the Soviet military buildup during WW II . As a Jewish Midshipman, he attended the Soviet Naval Academy at Leningrad (Saint Petersburg) Russia. Following graduation he received orders to Soviet Submarine School where he excelled as an engineer. Assigned to numerous submarines stationed over the vast territories of Russia, Lev met a beautiful professional Romanian Opera Singer, Roza, who would soon become his wife and lifetime companion.
The hardships of Soviet Governmental assignments meant numerous moves coast to coast to meet the needs of the Naval Service. Roza bore the loneliness of Lev’s at sea assignments while having a son, Michael and continuing with her career as Lev rose to the command level of Naval Captain. With the disintegration of the Soviet Empire, Lev lost his military pension. His clear-headed admiration for the Americans caused him and Roza to move the family to Chicago, Ill., where he was hired as an engineer.
The Shikhmans applied for U.S. citizenships and prospered well, in America. Due to Roza’s debilitating health issues, doctors recommended they move somewhere close to the Ocean, hence they became residents of Virginia Beach. Their love for the arts caused them to become interpreters for visitors who attended various theater events in Tidewater.
Their growing circle of friends here loved every encounter with Lev and Roza. Sadly, Roza passed away recently and Lev pined for the love of his life, constantly. They both proclaimed their love for God and thanked him for their blessed life together, especially for the peace and prosperity they found in America. Their love was the purest, brightest, and most beautifully passionate item ever witnessed.
They leave Lev’s sister, Lena; niece Gala; son Michael and his wife, Ereena; and two grandsons, Arthur and Jerry Shikhman who all reside in New York.
Memorial services were held at Temple Emanuel Synagogue. Altmeyer Funeral Home.