William Berlat

William Leonard Berlat, 86 of Tucson and Pinetop/Lakeside, Arizona passed away on September 29, 2024, his daughters by his side. William, who was often referred to as Bill, Billy or The Wandering Jew was born in Brooklyn, New York on October 26th, 1937. At the young age of 17, he enlisted in the United States Air Force; longing for adventure. Of all the potential faraway locations, he was stationed in Yuma, Arizona. Arizona would turn out to be a pivotal part of his story. A home base for the next 70 years of what can only be described as a life well-lived.

William graduated from the University of Arizona receiving both an Undergraduate and Juris Doctorate. He was an attorney with a successful solo practice, William L. Berlat, Ltd. He was a strong willed advocate, a juvenile judge, a pilot, a sailor, a rancher, a skilled international hunter, and a former Game & Fish Commissioner. Most importantly, he was a husband, a dad, a brother, a papa, and a friend to many near and far. He was always ready for the next hobby to tackle and the next adventure to plan. He took great pride in accomplishing everything he set out to do.

William is survived by his four daughters, Kimberly Berlat, Eden Zaleski, Kathryn Marchak, Jessica Berlat and his brother Al Berlat. He also leaves behind his grandchildren Samuel Tafoya, Max Zaleski, Tate Zaleski, Alexis Marchak, Benjamin Marchak, Claire Marchak, Atticus Coffron, Issac Coffron, along with several other family members and friends. William is preceded in death by his beloved parents Miriam and Dan, his loving wife Patricia Berlat, his first grandchild William Chance Tafoya and several friends and family.

William was a legend and one of a kind. He was a loving father of four and a grandfather to nine. He will be remembered for his large personality, his desire to challenge the ordinary, and embrace the extraordinary. It is hard to imagine a world without him in it. He will be missed tremendously. We hope his next adventure will be just as exciting as this last one.

William chose his final resting place to be at the Show Low Cemetery. A small family burial took place on October 4, 2024. A Celebration of Life will take place on November 30, 2024, from 11am to 2pm at the Tucson Trap and Skeet Club. All family and friends are invited to join in this celebration.