Ben Katz, retired merchant and Jewish War Veterans commander

BENJAMIN “BEN” KATZ, a former retail merchant and longtime volunteer as the commander of New Orleans’ Jules Lazard Post # 580 of the Jewish War Veterans of America (JWV)  passed away on January 2 after an extended illness. He was 96.  A retail merchant by trade, Katz was noted for his good natured personality and his dedicated work ethic.

Born in Erie, PA, Katz attended the University of Pennsylvania, but prior to graduation, entered the U.S. Army Air Force, eventually attaining the rank of Sergeant. He was involved in several businesses in his native state prior to moving to New Orleans in 1960, where he succeeded as a retail merchant.  Throughout his career, he maintained connections with other Jewish war veterans, serving as the local post commander for over a quarter century and also selected as the  Regional Commander of the Southern Region of the JWV.

He was an active member of Congregation Anshe Sfard and, recently, Congregation Beth Israel. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Miriam Barber Katz, daughter Roberta A. Katz Sollender, sons Michael Katz (Jane Olds Katz) and Allan Katz (Terry Katz) of Boca Raton, FL, four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He is also survived by a brother, Nathaniel of Baltimore, MD, brother-in-law Sol Barber and sister-in-law Esther Rosenberg. A graveside funeral service was held on January 4, at 11:00 a.m. at  Anshe Sfard Cemetery, conducted by Rabbi Uri Topolosky of Congregation Beth Israel. Memorial contributions are suggested to either Congregation Beth Israel or the Jewish War Veterans of America.