Morris “Marcos” Lew passed away peacefully Sunday morning, November 5, 2017 at his home a few weeks short of his 82nd birthday. He is survived by his beloved wife of 53 years, Marlene “Malka” Pactor Lew, sons and daughters in law Alex (Toby) and Perry (Angelle) Lew, grandchildren Mindy, Moshe, Hannah, Yitzi and Jonathan, sister Betty Leifer, brothers Nathan and Elliott Lew and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents Dina and Getzel Lew and sisters Fanny Buder and Rose Resnik.
Morris was a long-time resident of New Orleans. He was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina and emigrated with his family to the United States in 1951 and became a US citizen in 1957. He was honorably discharged from the United States Air National Guard in 1964. He was a founding member of Casa Argentina, a member of Beth Israel Synagogue and Chabad of Louisiana, supported Torah Academy and was a dedicated Saints fan.
As a 15-year-old, he attended Rabouin Vocational School part time to learn enough English to pass the citizenship exam while working for Alec Trestman at Trestman’s Ready to Wear/Casa Alejandro on Canal Street selling various goods to Latin American seamen and tourists visiting New Orleans. As a young man, he eventually became manager, then partner and finally bought the businesses. When his brothers completed their military service, he took them in as partners. After a while he opened Trestman’s Electronics specializing in 220 electronics and appliances for the same customer base. He then taught himself to be a ship chandler and founded Antares Marine Supply. Morris retired briefly before going back to work for himself as Express Ship Supply which he continued to operate until his death.
Graveside services were held on Sunday, November 5, 2017 at 3:00 PM in Jewish Burial Rites Cemetery, New Orleans, with Rabbi Yosse Nemes officiating. Memorials are suggested in his memory to Chabad of Louisiana, Torah Academy or Casa Argentina for acts of kindness to increase peace in the world. Condolences may be expressed online at www.tharpsontheimerfh.com. Tharp-Sontheimer-Tharp Funeral Home of Metairie was in charge of arrangements.