Oscar Tolmas, real estate developer, investor dies at 93

OSCAR JUDAH TOLMAS, a real estate investor, developer, homebuilder, attorney and businessman died suddenly on Monday. He was 93 years old.

Much of the development in the heart of the Metairie shopping district corridor, located along present-day Veterans and Causeway Boulevards can be credited to Tolmas. Although he excelled at building homes in both Orleans and Jefferson Parishes, his lifelong passion was thoroughbred horseracing. Tolmas was the chairman of the Louisiana Racing Commission and was a member for 14 years. He was a fixture at the clubhouse at The Fairgrounds for much of his life.

Tolmas was a longtime member of Congregation Beth Israel, a respected Jewish community leader and an unsung supporter of Jewish community events.

Following graduation from the Tulane School of Law in 1943, Tolmas served as an officer in the U.S. Navy, seeing action in the Pacific during World War II. He was honored as a 70-year member of the Louisiana Bar Association.

Predeceased by his wife Marjorie in September, he is survived by his brother Dr. Hyman Tolmas (Connie) and several nieces and nephews.

Graveside funeral services will be conducted at the New Beth Israel Cemetery, 4400 Elysian Fields Boulevard, today at 2:00 p.m. Rabbi Yossie Nemes will officiate.