Edward Gothard passed away, unexpectedly, on February 21, 2020, at 60 years old. Eddie was born and raised in Metairie, Louisiana. He was the son of Judge Sol & Jackie Gothard, and the second oldest of 5 siblings - Sander, Shayna, Andy and Yaacov. After graduating from East Jefferson High School, Eddie went to Loyola University for a year on a music scholarship. He then transferred to Brandeis University, where he switched to pre-law, and graduated with a BA. He was accepted to Loyola University New Orleans Law School where he earned his Doctor of Law (J.D.) in 1985. In his early career, he worked with a defense firm in New Orleans, where he met the love of his life Blayne Rogers. He eventually formed his own firm, and in 1997 merged his practice to form Nowalsky & Gothard, where he won numerous awards and recognitions.
He was dedicated to Beth Israel Synagogue, of which he is a 4th generation member. He was elected President of Beth Israel twice, and served as an Executive Committee Member, Board Member, Endowment Committee Member, Finance Committee Co-chairman and New Building Co-chairman. After Hurricane Katrina, Eddie alongside Alex Barkoff were instrumental in the rebuilding of the new Synagogue. Whenever something needed to be done at Beth Israel, Eddie was the first call, and he always answered that call by leading with competency, diplomacy, grace, and a few extremely well-timed jokes. It is impossible to fully capture in words how much of himself he gave to Beth Israel over his lifetime. In addition to his devotion to his synagogue, he also served as President and Member of the Board at the New Orleans Jewish Day School and Board Member of the Jewish Federation of Greater New Orleans.
Eddie loved telling jokes. He had an encyclopedic recall for appropriate, and inappropriate, jokes for every situation and occasion. He loved music – especially jazz. He was a master trumpet player who not only started the Jazz band at Brandeis, but went on to play at the Saenger Theatre, Jazz Fest, annually at Oktoberfest, and with The New Leviathan Oriental Fox-Trot Orchestra. He loved fishing in Delacroix, hiking in the Blue Ridge mountains, and white water rafting. Some of his favorite hobbies included skiing every year with his son Ben, his best friends and his siblings in Park City, Utah, and biking 50+ mile trips on the levee in his backyard. He was a “massive” Saints fan and rode for decades in Endymion. But even more, he enjoyed working in his backyard, doing projects by hand, woodworking, and caring for his ponds.
Above all else, Eddie loved and took care of his family. Words cannot even begin to describe how devoted he was to Blayne, his beloved bride of 27 years. They will forever serve as the example of a happy, beautiful marriage. Their legacy of love are 3 children – Aimee and spouse Arielle, Taylor and spouse Georgia, and Ben and significant other Bridget. Eddie was “Pee Paw” to his three grandchildren - Jayden, August and Magnolia and the favorite Uncle Paco to his adoring nieces and nephews.
Eddie / Dad / Pee Paw / Uncle Paco / Fred, We love you eternally. We miss you terribly. Life will never be the same without you. You are and forever will be our rock.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday. February 23, 2021 at Gates of Prayer Synagogue, 4000 W. Esplanade Ave in Metairie at 11:00 AM, with visitation beginning at 10:00 AM. Overflow available at Beth Israel Synagogue adjacent to Gates of Prayer Synagogue. Due to Covid 19, face masks are required and social distancing must be respected.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Eddie Gothard Memorial Fund at Congregation Beth Israel (www.bethisraelnola.com) 4004 W. Esplanade Ave., Metairie, LA 70002 or the charity of your choice. Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home of New Orleans is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be expressed online at www.lakelawnmetairie.com. Information: (504) 486-6331
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