David Bernstein, founder and president of Delta World Tire
DAVID BERNSTEIN, a man who transformed a small tire firm into the largest independent tire company in the state of Louisiana, died on Monday, April 29, 2013 at the age of 92.
A native of Decatur, AL, Bernstein moved to New Orleans in 1928 and graduated from Alcee Fortier Senior High School. He attended Louisiana State University on a football scholarship and was a seventh-round draft choice for the New York Giants, but his playing days were cut short by World War II. He served as a drill sergeant at Fort Still in Arkansas in the U.S. Army for four years. Bernstein turned to business after leaving the service. He was the founder and longtime president of Delta World Tire. He was a longtime member of Congregation Gates of Prayer and served as an officer of Bnai Brith. Bernstein was also remembered as the founder of the Fortier Alumni Breakfast Group. Throughout his life, Bernstein was remembered by friends and family as having possessed great warmth and a wonderful sense of hurmor.
Bernstein was predeceased by his wife of many years, the late Lila Willer Bernstein. He is survived by two sons Steven W. and David B. Bernstein. and is the grandfather of one. Additionally, he is survived by numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were conducted at the Tharp-Sontheimer Funeral Home Chapel, 1600 N. Causeway Blvd at 43rd St., in Metairie, LA on Wednesday, May 1, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. with visitation beginning at 1:00 p.m. Rabbi Robert Loewy officiated. Interment followed immediately in Gates of Prayer Cemetery 1412 Joseph Street in New Orleans. Memorials are suggested to your favorite charity.
Condolences may be expressed online here. For more information, please call (504) 835-2341.
