Obituary of Richard Warren Levy

Richard W. Levy, MD. Physician, art benefactor, dies at 95

Richard W. Levy, former neurosurgeon and art benefactor, died on July 31, 2020 in Pittsboro, North Carolina of complications from Alzheimer’s disease.

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 was born in New Orleans and lived in the city for 60 years before moving to Fearrington Village in NC in 1995.  He graduated from Tulane University Medical School in 1947 and completed his residency in Neurosurgery in New York City, Chicago and Oklahoma City. He received Board of Neurosurgery certification in 1957.

Dr. Levy served in the US Air Force as the head of Neurosurgery at Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery during the Korean War.   After the war he moved back to New Orleans building a successful medical practice. 

Dr. Levy was Chief of the Department of Neurosurgery at Touro Infirmary and at St. Charles General hospitals, served as Neurosurgical consultant to 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 of 52 years, Susan (Engel), a noted curator and art scholar, he was an avid art collector and donated artwork to the Duke University Museum, the Ackland Museum, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New Orleans Museum of Art, Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Kennedy Center, Birmingham Museum of Art, and others. 

His wife predeceased him in 2002. Richard is survived by his two sons, Eric and Warren, and grandchild, Nicolette.  A private memorial service will be held in New Orleans. Donations can be made to the Alzheimer's Association.(please scroll over the link on the left).

The Levy family is under the care of Walker's Funeral Home of Chapel Hill.