Dr. William Edward Legat 84, from Bethesda Maryland, died on Sunday, October 22, 2023.
Dr. Legat was born July 19, 1939, in Bound Brook, New Jersey. He was the eldest son of Ed and June Legat. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Dr. Susan Traum Legat. He is survived by his three children: Angela (Mike) Troilo, Alice (David) Tayman, and James (Kate) Legat; and seven grandchildren: Olivia Troilo, Thomas Tayman, Celeste Legat, Max Troilo, Miranda Troilo, Brooke Tayman and Natalie Legat. He is also survived by his brother Jon Legat, and sisters Diana Phillips, Eugenie “Jean” Aiello, and Mary Cooke.
Dr. Legat graduated from Plainfield High School in 1957 and continued his education at Yale University, graduating with a degree in Economics in 1961. While at Yale, he competed with the track team nationally in the 800-meter individual race, and the mile and two-mile relays.
Always an avid scholar, Dr. Legat went to University of Maryland School of Medicine where he met his future wife Susan Traum, who was also a medical student.
Following his residency in psychiatry at Sheppard Pratt Hospital in Elkridge, Maryland he served as a physician during the Vietnam War, rising to the rank of Major.
After serving in the Army, he and his family settled in the Bethesda/Chevy Chase area in Maryland where he started in private psychiatric practice. Dr. Legat was well known in the medical and psychiatric communities in Montgomery County, Maryland and throughout the state. He held leadership roles in the county including serving as the President of the Suburban Maryland Psychiatric Society. In 2000 he was awarded the Suburban Maryland Psychiatrist of the Year Award. His devotion to his patients led him to treat individuals without means or insurance with a particular interest in helping the mentally ill in the homeless population.
Dr. Legat retired in 2014. In addition to his devotion to his patients, he loved spending time with his family and friends and engaged in physical fitness activities (mainly running) nearly every day of his life. He especially enjoyed going to the movies, sharing wonderful dinners, and the company of his beloved pets.
Relatives and friends may call at Collins Funeral Home, 500 University Boulevard West, Silver Spring, MD, (Valet Parking), Sunday, November 5, 2023, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, 7500 Pearl Street, Bethesda, on Monday, November 6, 2023, at 10:00 AM Followed by burial at Norbeck Memorial Park. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association www.diabetes.org/ways-to-contribute or to: American Diabetes Association P.O. Box 7023 Merrifield, VA 22116-7023