Insurance agent, broker Otto Levy dies

OTTO AARON LEVY, a retired insurance agent and broker, died September 15, 2014 in New Orleans. He was 88.

A native of New Orleans, he was reared during the Depression era. Levy attended Alcee Fortier High School for a time before eventually graduating from the Gulf Coast Military Academy in February of 1944. Immediately, he enlisted in the U. S. Navy and was sent to the World War II South Pacific theater, where he saw action in the Battle of Leyte Gulf. Levy survived a kamikaze pilot’s attempt to sink his ship, the USS Salamaua, on January 6, 1945. That attack killed 15 sailors outright and injured another 88. He received a commendation from the Navy for his heroic actions that day carrying the injured to the infirmary and to medics at great personal risk.

Following the end of the war, Levy was given an honorable discharge in 1946. He enrolled at Tulane University and graduated in 1950. Just one week following his graduation, the Department of the Navy recalled him to active duty and he became embroiled in the Korean War.

Levy was married in 1949 to the former Lulu Ruth Whitson of Pensacola, whom he met while a student at Tulane University. The two were married for 59 years.

Returning to civilian life for the second time from active military service, Levy became associated with various insurance agencies and brokerages, most notably for Acacia Life and Connecticut Mutual. Known for his outward, friendly demeanor, he studied the course work and later became a trainer for the Dale Carnegie seminars held throughout the southern region of Louisiana.

As a mentor and trainer for decades in his many businesses and for the Dale Carnegie seminars and programs, Levy excelled in making connections with leaders of industry and those who would become better businessman because of his methods. He was a volunteer for several organizations, but was most proud of his work for the National World War II Museum.

Levy was a 32nd Degree Mason and a member of the Scottish Rite Consistory. A longtime member of Touro Synagogue, he served as the president of the Men’s Club during the 1960s.

After his first wife pre-deceased him in 2008, Levy married the former Nancy Cowan, who survives him. Levy is also survived by sons B.G (Susan) of Cincinnati and Gilbert (Susanne Teng) of Tampa Bay, daughter Adele Levy Wormser (John) of New Iberia, his sister Adele L. Adatto, seven grandchildren, 3 step-grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

A memorial service was held September 19, at 11:00 a.m. at Congregation Gates of Prayer, 4000 West Esplanade Avenue in Metairie. Rabbi Robert Loewy officiated. Interment in Hebrew Rest Cemetery No. 3, Pelopidas at Frenchmen Streets, followed immediately after the service.