Herbert S. Levine, 78; Penn economics professor

Herbert S. Levine, 78, of Ardmore, a University of Pennsylvania professor and expert on the economy of Russia and the former Soviet Union, died Sunday at Bryn Mawr Hospital of complications from surgery.

Professor Levine joined the Penn faculty in 1960. Though he battled prostate cancer for 15 years, he taught economics until spring 2006 and continued to advise independent studies students. He received several teaching awards including the Lindback Award and the Irving B. Kravis Prize.

He tried to make students fulfill their potential, his daughter Judith said, and occasionally aided them financially. "All Herb Levine wanted in return," said a recipient of his generosity, "was that I could do something similar for a needy individual at some point."

Professor Levine was founding codirector of the Lauder Institute, a Penn program that combines a Wharton MBA with a master's degree in international studies, and customized language training.

In 1973, he participated in a three-year government-backed project to build a computer model of the Soviet economy.

Later, as an authority on perestroika - the restructuring of the Soviet economy and bureaucracy that began in the mid 1980s - he advised the State Department and corporations hoping to do business with Russia and former Soviet countries.

For several years he conducted summer workshops focused on the challenges of the transition of Soviet-style socialism and bureaucratic planning to modern capitalism and a market economy. Many participants have become economic policymakers in their respective countries.

Professor Levine earned a bachelor's degree, a master's degree in Russian studies, and a doctorate in economics from Harvard University.

He was an Eagles and Phillies fan, his daughter said, and loved practical jokes. In the classroom, he was formidable, she said, but could be fun.

When he noticed students doing crossword puzzles during his lectures, she said, he included an economics crossword puzzle on the final exam for extra credit.

In addition to his daughter, Professor Levine is survived by his wife of 54 years and friend from childhood, Helene Jaffe Levine; a daughter Jan, a sister; and three grandchildren. A son Jonathan died in 1986.

The funeral will be at 10 a.m. today at Joseph Levine and Sons Memorial Chapel, 4737 Street Rd., Trevose. Burial will be in United Hebrew Cemetery, Staten Island, N.Y.