Leslie Lloyd Scharfenstein Sr.

Dr. Leslie Lloyd Scharfenstein Sr. peacefully went home to be with our Lord and Savior on March 25, 2022 at the age of 88. Les was the loving husband of Joyce Scharfenstein and proud father to his 5 sons; Mark (Phyllis), Mike, Les (Kathy), Scott (Alane) and Jody (Jennifer). His family was his pride and joy and he was affectionately known as Paw Paw to 14 grandchildren; Erica (Dave), Heidi, Lauren (Lenny), Hailie, Scott (Chrissy), Emily (Jeremiah), Jayme (Matt), Katie (Ryan), Luke, Shelby (Justin), Kayla (Kaylen), Savannah, Grace (Ethan) and Madison. His love for his family didn’t stop there as he also had 13 great grandchildren and 2 more on the way.

Growing up in New Orleans Les or Bubby as he was affectionately called by many was the 7th of ten children; the late Florence Riviere (the late Paul), the late Marjorie Roshto (the late Lloyd), the late Betty Aldana, the late Marilyn White (the late Clyde), the late Joan Rogers (William), the late Patsy Dressel (Leon), Kathy Eicke (FJ), the late D.J. Scharfenstein (the late Ruby) and Bobby Scharfenstein (the late Bill). He is preceded in death by his parents, Rev. Leslie Lange Scharfenstein and Florence Anna Scharfenstein.

From a young age there were three things that Les loved more than anything: God, family and reading. Being the son of a pastor of Grace Baptist Church of New Orleans, Les knew the importance of salvation through Jesus Christ and by the way he lived. He shared the love of Christ with anyone who crossed his path. And with a mother and father who helped anyone who ever needed it, many experienced this love and were considered family to Les. He proudly served 3 years in the United States Marine Corps which he was extremely proud of. Evident from the fact that he kept the haircut until his final day here on earth. Later on in life his love for reading and education would take him on to earn a Bachelor’s degree from Southeastern Louisiana University (1957), his Master’s of education from Tulane University (1960) and a Doctorate of Education from Southern Miss (1973). Leslie was a member of Grace Baptist Church, St. Bernard Rotary Club, American Legions (post 360), St. Bernard Retired Teachers Association and Louisiana Retired Teachers Association. As a teacher, principal, supervisor and tutor he was able to spread his appreciation of literacy to all age groups. No one that ever came across Les was a stranger and he was there to offer a helping hand to anyone who may have ever needed it. The impact of Dr. Leslie Scharfenstein’s life is immeasurable. He was truly a great teacher, loving family man and true example of the love of Jesus. His greatest joy was taking care of his family. Leslie took pride in spending time with his children and grandchildren. He was deeply loved by his family and will be missed by us all.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a visitation to be held at ST. BERNARD MEMORIAL FUNERAL HOME, 701 W. Virtue St., Chalmette, LA on Wednesday, March 30, 2022 from 11:00AM-1:00PM. A funeral service will begin at 1:00PM. Burial will follow in St. Bernard Memorial Gardens.