Former furniture dealer Beryl Laufer, 92, dies after a stroke

BERYL CHAIM LAUFER, the former co-owner of St. Claude Furniture, passed away on Sunday night, October 25, 2020, after having suffered a stroke at the beginning of the month. He was 92.

Laufer ran the store with his father and, following his retirement from St. Claude Furniture, continued his career as a sales associate at Compass Furniture in Elmwood.

He was preceded in death by his daughter Cathy Laufer (Kay Lindsey) of Baton Rouge last year. He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Barbara Laufer; his children Michael H. Laufer (Audrey) of New York City and  Jeffrey N. Laufer (Elizabeth) and five grandchildren..

Laufer enjoyed singing. He was the leader for the Shir Chadash Conservative Congregation (formerly Tikvat Shalom) choir for decades. In more recent years, following Hurricane Katrina, he became a member of Touro Synagogue and sang in their choir as well.

He was also a longtime and active member of the Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barbershop Quartet Singing of America (SPEBQSA) and sang regularly with several barbershop quartets and was also a member of the Mardi Gras Chorus.

A long-time member of Shir Chadash synagogue, he led and sang in the congregational choir for decades. Later after Katrina, he was also a member of Touro Synagogue and sang in their choir for several years.

Another of his passions was table tennis. He is remembered as a formidable player, who took up the game later in life. A sweet, kind and calm soul, he always had a kind word and a joke for everyone.

Memorial contributions in his memory can be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. A private graveside service was officiated by Rabbi Deborah Silver. 

Arrangements were by Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home.