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LESTER WEIL WAINER, a businessman whose various interests included real estate, mortgages, long distance phone services, pickle sales and fur trading , passed away on Wednesday May 3, 2017. He was 92.<\/p>\n
A native New Orleanian, Wainer spent his entire life living in the city of his birth, except for the time he spent serving his country during World War II. He attended Cohen Elementary and Fortier High before he enlisted in the U.S. Navy at the age of 17. When his tour of duty in the South Pacific as a radar man aboard the U.S.S. CLAY APA39 was over, he returned to New Orleans to continue his studies and graduated from Tulane University.<\/p>\n
Wainer joined in the family business following graduation. Following a six-week courtship in 1956, he was married to his true love, Beverly Smith, of Atlanta, to whom he was wed just over 60 years.<\/p>\n
Wainer’s laidback personality paired perfectly with the warm and agreeable New Orleans climes. He particularly loved sharing unique New Orleans experiences with his wife and the three children that were to follow including grabbing sno-balls on a summer night, crabbing on Lake Pontchartrain, and playing games in the streets with them, extended family members \u00a0and the other neighborhood kids.<\/p>\n
He enjoyed a very positive outlook on life and often gave advice on how best to accomplish life’s goals as well as where the best places and best items to eat. As a result, he maintained many long-lasting business and personal connections and relationships. Wainer was known as making friends easily and often shared a steaming cup of coffee or hung out in a neighborhood joint with those whose company he enjoyed.<\/p>\n
The spirit of tzedakah was in his very makeup and his cheerful and gregarious disposition made him a man whose friendship was to be cherished. His generosity might best expressed in one of his many quotes: “If you are more fortunate than others, build a longer table to include more people.” He worked with many organizations, served on many boards and helped fundraise for numerous Jewish and local causes.<\/p>\n
Wainer enjoyed many hobbies, including golf, tennis, poker, bridge, maj, dancing, badminton, fishing, sailing, football, and of fine dining or casual eating. He traveled extensively and thought of Camden, Maine as his second home.<\/p>\n
Beside his wife, Wainer is survived by his children Bruce Wainer (Ellie) and Teri Wainer Tanenbaum (Rian) and Kim Wainer Kline of Dallas and eight grandchildren.<\/p>\n
A private graveside service was held in his honor. The family will welcome visitors at 301 Rue St. Peter, Metairie at the following times: today, Friday, May 5 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday May 6, from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.; and Sunday May 7 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions are welcome to the National World War II Museum , the Jewish Endowment Foundation of Louisiana or Gates of Prayer Synagogue.<\/p>\n
Condolences may be expressed online at\u00a0Tharp-Sontheimer-Tharp Funeral Home of Metairie<\/a> was in charge of arrangements.<\/p>\n