Oldest living pharmacist in LA., Ralph Moskowitz, dies; funeral June 6

RALPH MOSKOWITZ, a retired pharmacist, who was the oldest living registered pharmacist in the state, died of cancer at his home on June 3. He was 95.

A native New Orleanian, Moskowitz resided in both New Orleans and Metairie. He was a practicing, registered pharmacist for over 50 years and a member of several pharmaceutical organizations. He received his bachelor of science degree in Pharmacy and a doctorate degree in Pharmacy from Loyola University and was a gold certificate holder from the Louisiana Board of Pharmacy.

A veteran of World War II, he served in the United States Army as a pharmacist prior to his receiving his doctrorate in Pharmacy from Loyola University and was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States. He worked as a pharmacist with the Veterans Administration for 25 years prior to his retirement.

Moskowitz was a member for 67 years in Linn Wood – Ionic Masonic Lodge # 167, having been initiated an Entered Apprentice Mason, passed to the degree of Fellowcraft and raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason all within a month period from April to May, 1949. Moskowitz received a gold certificate in May of 1999 from the Grand Lodge of the State of Louisiana, which entitled him to lifetime membership.

Survivors include his nephew Leon Cecil Morvay (Gail) of Dallas, several great nephews, great nieces and several great-great nephews.

Relatives and friends of the family attended the graveside services officiated by Rabbi Gabriel Greenberg, at Anshe Sfard Cemetery, 4400 Elysian Fields Avenue, on Mon., June 6, at 10:00 a.m. A Masonic funeral service and a military service were incorporated into the religious service.  Tharp-Sontheimer-Tharp Funeral Home, 1600 N. Causeway Blvd, Metairie, was in charge of funeral arrangements.