Former school counselor Dan Alexander succumbs at 91

DANIEL B. ALEXANDER, a former school counselor for the Orleans Parish School Board, died in the evening hours of March 26. He was age 91.

DAN ALEXANDER

A lifelong resident of New Orleans and Metairie, he graduated from Alcee Fortier High School, and attended Loyola University before being inducted into the U.S. Navy. After his Navy duty, he returned to Loyola, receiving his undergraduate degree in 1947 and his M.A. degree from L.S.U. in 1949. His career included 30 years of service to the Orleans Parish School Board. He retired in 1979 to begin a new career as a Property Lines inspector for Equifax Services and later A & B Inspection Services.

Alexander was a lifelong member of Congregation Gates of Prayer, serving both as a board member and Recording Secretary for many years. He was also a Hadassah associate of the New Orleans Chapter.

He became a Master Mason of Union Lodge No. 172, F. & A.M. in 1960 and was elected as Worshipful Master before serving as the lodge Secretary for 27 years. In 2003 he demitted from Union Lodge to become a full time member of Etoile Polaire Lodge #1, F. & A.M. He also was a plural member of Sam B. Dreyfuse Lodge #396 and Cervantes Lodge #5, F. & A.M.

Alexander joined the Valley of New Orleans, Scottish Rite, in 1968 and became the Venerable Master in 1990. He was coroneted with the distinguished 33rd Honorary Degree by the Supreme Council, Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, Southern Jurisdiction of the United States.

He was honored by being appointed to the Grand Lodge of the State of Israel as its Ambassador for the Grand Lodge of the State of Louisiana in 2010.

Alexander is survived by his wife of 57 years, Lazelle Watsky Alexander, his son Samuel M. Alexander, M.D. (Ellen Schneider, M.D.), his daughters, Amy and Rebecca Alexander and three grandchildren.

Funeral services were held at Gates of Prayer Synagogue, 4000 W. Esplanade Ave., Metairie on Tuesday, March 28, 2017 at 11 a.m. Rabbi Robert Loewy officiated.

A Masonic service and interment followed in Gates of Prayer Cemetery, 1400 block Joseph Street, New Orleans. In lieu of flowers, the family has suggested memorials to the Congregation Gates of Prayer Endowment Fund. Tharp-Sontheimer-Tharp Funeral Home of Metairie  was in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be expressed online here.