Dr. Richard W. Levy

1924 - 2020

Richard W. Levy, MD. Physician, art benefactor, dies at 95. Richard W. Levy, former neurosurgeon and art benefactor, died on July 31, 2020 of complications from Alzheimer's disease in North Carolina. Dr. Levy lived a long and full life. Over the course of his 35-year career as a neurosurgeon he saved thousands of lives and brought relief to many who were suffering. He was very generous and compassionate and had high standards for himself - and those around him. He shared his love of the arts with Susan (Engel) of New York, his wife of 52 years who predeceased him in 2002. He was born in New Orleans and lived in the city for nearly 60 years before moving to Fearrington Village, NC in 1995. He graduated from the Isadore Newman School in 1943 and graduated from Tulane University Medical School in 1947. He completed his residency in Neurosurgery in New York City, Chicago and Oklahoma City and received Board of Neurosurgery certification in 1957. Dr. Levy was honorably discharged from the US Air Force with the rank of captain after serving as the head of Neurosurgery at Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery during the Korean War. He moved back to New Orleans in 1955 building a successful medical practice. Dr. Levy was Chief of the Department of Neurosurgery at Touro Infirmary from 1962 – 1985 and was Chief of the Department of Neurosurgery at St. Charles General hospital from 1973 – 1982. He also served as Neurosurgical consultant for the Attorney General in Louisiana and US Department of Justice in Washington, DC. Additionally, Dr. Levy taught at both LSU and Tulane University medical schools. Richard was involved in several civic organizations serving as president of the Archaeological Institute of America, New Orleans chapter and president of the Board of Trustees at the New Orleans Museum of Art. He also held seats on numerous boards of Trustees including the Amistad Research Foundation and the National Symphony Orchestra in Washington DC. Joined by his wife Susan, a noted curator and art scholar, he was an avid art collector and donated artwork to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New Orleans Museum of Art, Philadelphia Museum of Art, Phoenix Museum of Art, Birmingham Museum of Art and others. Richard is survived by his two sons, Eric and Warren, and grandchild, Nicolette. A private memorial service will be held in New Orleans. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Alzheimer's Association.