Mark Greenberg, insurance agent, investment advisor is dead at 65

MARK STEVEN GREENBERG, age 65, died on Thursday evening, September 18, 2014 after a brave battle with prostate cancer, surrounded by the love of his family and close friends.

MARK GREENBERG

Known best as a career agent for several insurance agencies such as MONY and Sun Life of Canada, he eventually functioned as an independent agent working from his home. Following his evacuation to Houston after Hurricane Katrina, he was associated with Cravens/ Warren Insurance Agency, specializing in property and casualty. After returning to New Orleans, Greenberg joined Securian Financial Services where he remained until his death.

Born in Chattanooga, TN, Greenberg was raised in Jackson, MS. He attended the University of Alabama for two years and then transferred to the University of Texas (Austin), where he received his BBA degree in accounting in 1971. Greenberg then moved to New Orleans where he had married Barbara Barton Greenberg in 1970. From that time on, New Orleans was his home.

Initially Mark served as a manufacturer’s rep for Ira. M. Kohn Co. and then branched out on his own as an independent rep for Dallas Cap and Emblem Co. and in MSG Advertising Specialties before becoming an insurance agent.

Mark was everyone’s good guy – fun, immaculately dressed, distinguished looking, with an unapologetic set of definitive values. He and his wife were best friends for over 48 years, and married for 44. They shared life’s experiences, holding hands until the end.

He is survived by Barbara Barton Greenberg; two sons Mark S. Greenberg, Jr. (Niffer), Sean D. Greenberg (Diana) and a daughter Lauren G. Wakeman (Devin); his step-mother Helen Greenberg; a sister Jill G. Mason (Mark); and nine grandchildren. He was the son-in-law of Sue and Herbert Barton, the temple emeritus administrator at Temple Sinai and the late Vera Barton; and by brother-in-law of Chip Muller.

Funeral services were held at Temple Sinai, 6227 St. Charles Avenue, on Sunday, September 21, 2014 at 4:30 p.m. Rabbi Edward Paul Cohn and Cantor Joel Colman officiated.

Interment followed immediately in Hebrew Rest Cemetery No. 3, 2100 Frenchmen at Pelopidas Street.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations are suggested to Tulane Cancer Center – Prostate Cancer Research, 1430 Tulane Ave., SL-68, New Orleans, LA 70112, Jewish Family Service, 3330 West Esplanade Ave., Suite 600, Metairie, LA 70002 or Temple Sinai, 6227 St. Charles Ave., New Orleans, LA 70118.

Condolences may be expressed online at Tharp-Sontheimer-Tharp Funeral Home of Metairie, which was in charge of arrangements.