William A. Wingate

William (Bill) Wingate, the founding partner of Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro & Halperin, LLP, passed away in November of 2009. After serving in the Navy during World War II, Bill had the honor of being class valedictorian when he graduated from Brooklyn Law School in 1949.

He practiced personal injury law since his admission to the New York State Bar in January of 1950, and achieved great success as a trial lawyer.

Bill served as a member of the Board of Directors of the New York State Trial Lawyers Association; a member of the Association of Trial Lawyers of America and various Bar Associations. He had always been a leading member in various community, religious and philanthropic organizations.

Throughout his lifetime, Bill served as the President and Board Member of his Cooperative Corporation for years and was President of his Synagogue in New York City. Bill also proudly served for many years as a Trustee and as Deputy Mayor of The Village of Ocean Beach in Fire Island, New York.

He was also honored by unions, religious and community organizations for his philanthropic activities, including State of Israel Bonds, U.J.A. Federation Lawyers Division, and The Village Temple in Greenwich Village, New York.

Bill believed that his legal skills played an important role in contributing to the many community service positions he held during his life. His great legal mind and leadership will be sorely missed.