87-Year-Old Art Dealer’s Tragic End Exposed – See How a Younger Lover Left Him with Nothing!

The final chapter of art dealer Pierre Levai’s life has erupted into a bitter legal battle, with allegations of betrayal, neglect, and manipulation shaking the art world. Levai, nephew of Marlborough Gallery co-founder Frank Lloyd, passed away at 87 in June 2024. However, his family alleges that his longtime companion, Marcia Levine, not only neglected his care but also schemed to claim his $50 million fortune.

Levai’s wife, Rosi, and their son, Max, have filed a lawsuit in Manhattan Supreme Court, accusing Levine of causing his death. They claim he was critically malnourished and suffering from septic shock by the time he was admitted to a Florida hospital in April. “Ms. Levine recklessly caused Pierre’s death. Therefore, according to New York State’s so-called ‘slayer rule,’ Ms. Levine has disqualified herself from benefiting from her would-be benefactor’s demise,” Max stated in court documents.

Levine stood to inherit $3 million, but this legal fight is just the tip of the iceberg. Since Levai’s death, the two sides have been clashing in Florida courts. Levine argued that Levai was a Florida resident, but a judge ruled otherwise in November. The struggle over the gallerist’s immense estate, including three Manhattan apartments and a home in upstate New York, has captured public attention.

A Life of Luxury and Complexity

Levai’s professional success and personal life were anything but ordinary. After founding the New York branch of the Marlborough Gallery in 1963, he amassed significant wealth. Married to Rosi for 55 years, Levai maintained relationships with at least two other women, including Levine, one of his longtime employees.

Surprisingly, this unconventional arrangement didn’t fracture the family. “I tolerated Pierre’s romantic relationships and Pierre and [I] remained married through them,” Rosi admitted in legal filings. She also played a key role in overseeing his care during his later years.

Although the couple had lived apart since 2012, they remained connected. As Levai’s health declined due to dementia, Rosi became his primary caregiver, coordinating with Levine to ensure his well-being. However, this fragile cooperation shattered when Levine took Levai to Miami in November 2023 for their annual winter retreat.

Allegations of Isolation and Exploitation

According to Rosi, Levine began isolating Levai from his family shortly after their arrival in Florida. Levine allegedly restricted his communication, took over his phone, and attempted to alter his estate plan. These actions were a sharp departure from Levai’s stated wishes, as he intended to return to New York to live closer to Rosi in a newly renovated apartment.

“Marcia began to keep secrets from me about Pierre’s condition . . . and attempted to take advantage of Pierre in his weakened and demented state,” Rosi alleged.

Levine’s influence reportedly extended to extravagant purchases, including a $7 million Miami apartment. The family contends she conspired with a Florida lawyer, Paul Cowan, to create new estate documents. These changes allegedly violated Levai’s long-held intentions and left his family feeling powerless.

A Painful End

In the final weeks of his life, Levai remained on life support, allegedly against his will. His family claims Levine and Cowan’s actions prolonged his suffering unnecessarily. “As a result of the shameful and dishonest actions of Cowan and Marcia actions, Pierre lay strapped to his bed for weeks in significant pain and unable to speak to his family or enjoy a pain-free moment,” court documents state.

Levine’s camp, however, paints a very different picture. “Everyone who knows the couple knows they were in an extremely loving, mutually supportive relationship for decades and they would never do anything to harm each other,” a source close to Levine told The Post. “She and her legal team are looking forward to addressing this in court.”

A Courtroom Showdown

As the case unfolds, the allegations against Levine highlight a deeper family rift and raise questions about elder care, estate planning, and loyalty. For now, the battle for Levai’s legacy is playing out in courtrooms, with both sides fiercely defending their version of the truth.

This story not only exposes the darker side of wealth and relationships but also offers a stark reminder of the complexities that can arise in the twilight years of a public figure.