Businessman Morris Lew is buried in Jewish Rites Cemetery
MORRIS “MARCOS” LEW, a businessman and owner of Express Ship Supply, passed away peacefully Sunday morning, November 5, 2017 at his home, a few days short of his 82nd birthday.
MORRIS LEW
A long-time resident of New Orleans and Metairie, he was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina and emigrated with his family to the United States in 1951, becoming a U.S. citizen in 1957.
He was honorably discharged from the United States Air National Guard in 1964. He was a founding member of Casa Argentina, a member of Beth Israel Synagogue and Chabad of Louisiana, supported Torah Academy and was a dedicated Saints fan.
As a 15-year-old, he attended Rabouin Vocational School part-time to learn enough English to pass the citizenship exam while working for Alec Trestman at Trestman’s Ready to Wear/Casa Alejandro on Canal Street selling various goods to Latin American seamen and tourists visiting New Orleans. As a young man, he eventually became manager, then partner and finally bought the businesses.
When his brothers completed their military service, he took them in as partners. After a while, he opened Trestman’s Electronics specializing in 220 electronics and appliances for the same customer base. He then taught himself to be a ship chandler and founded Antares Marine Supply. Morris retired briefly before going back to work for himself as Express Ship Supply which he continued to operate until his death.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 53 years, Marlene “Malka” Pactor Lew, his sons Alex (Toby) and Perry (Angelle) Lew, his sister Betty Leifer, his brothers Nathan and Elliott Lew and five grandchildren.
Graveside services were held on Sunday, November 5, 2017 at 3:00 p.m. in Jewish Burial Rites Cemetery. Rabbi Yosse Nemes officiated.
Memorials are suggested in his memory to Chabad of Louisiana, Torah Academy or Casa Argentina for acts of kindness to increase peace in the world. Tharp-Sontheimer-Tharp Funeral Home of Metairie was in charge of arrangements.
