Businessman, auctioneer Harry Finklestein dies; funeral Monday

HARRY FINKELSTEIN, a businessman and realtor, died Fri., Feb.27 after a lengthy illness. He was 86.

A life-long resident of New Orleans, Finkelstein was popular at Alcee Fortier High School, where he lettered in cheerleading and graduated in 1945. He attended Tulane University and also lettered in cheerleading there before enlisting in the U.S. Navy the following year. Finkelstein sailed to occupied Japan and served at other places in the South Pacific.

Following his return to the city, Finkelstein married his wife of 66 years, Leona (née Lassen) Finkelstein, and began to raise his family. He was a realtor and a businessman, but his passion was auctioneering. He maintained his auctioneering career until he retired in 2009 at the age of 80.

Finkelstein is survived by his wife, his son, Bobby Finkelstein; his brother, Alan Finkelstein; and two grandsons.

Graveside services will be conducted at the old Beth Israel Cemetery, 4321 Frenchman Street, on Mon., March 2, 2015 at 9:00 a.m. Rabbi Gabriel Greenberg will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are suggested to Congregation Beth Israel, 4004 W. Esplanade Avenue, Metairie, LA 70002.

Arrangements by Tharp-Sontheimer-Tharp, 1600 N. Causeway. For more information call 504-835-2341.