Investor Harry Freiberg dies at 97

HARRY A. FREIBERG, an investor and financial planner, passed away peacefully at his home on Fri., February 21. He was 97 years old.

Although he was a long time resident of the city, Freiberg was born in Cincinnati. As a student Freiberg attended Harvard University before moving to New Orleans during the Great Depression. At first he worked in the  family lumber business. Eventually, though, Freiberg retired to enjoy life as a private investor.

Through his many years here, he grew to love his adopted home. He was involved in the earlier days of the Community Chest, which later became the United Way. Freiberg was also active with the Boys and Girls Club of New Orleans.  He was noted for his interest and expertise in saltwater tropical fish.

An avid gardener,, Freiberg’s Bayou St. John home was especially noted for its fine gardens and landscaping. He was a noted and successful orchid grower and when he moved to an apartment later in life, he donated his collection of prized orchids along with other rare plants to the New Orleans Botanical Gardens at City Park.

Freiberg was predeceased by wives Edna Bottolfson Freiberg and Peggy Loeb Freiberg and his long-time companion Lillian P. Smith as well as his daughter Jill Freiberg Kemp.

He is survived by his son, Harry A. Freiberg III of Brooklings, Oregon and his sister-in-law Norma L. Freiberg and several nephews.

Private graveside services officiated by Rabbi Edward Paul Cohn of Temple Sinai took place at Metairie Cemetery on Monday February 24, 2014 at 2:00 p.m.  Memorial donations are suggested to Touro Infimary.    Tharp-Sontheimer-Tharp Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.