Harold Alton Pesses

Harold Alton Pesses, age 71, passed away from complications of gastric cancer, on August 29, 2025 in Metairie, LA. Harold was a lifelong resident of New Orleans, LA. even returning and rebuilding after Katrina.

Born on September 19, 1953, Harold was the son of the late Albert Ashley Pesses and Naomi Barkoff Pesses. Loving husband of Janet Pesses. Brother of Leon Ronald Pesses (Debbie), and Marilyn Goldie Pesses Kay (Martin). Brother-in-law of Dr. Jay Hillel Joseph (Stacy). He was father of Daniel Craig Pesses, Nancy Hannah Pesses, and Samuel Morris Pailet (Becca). Grandfather of Jack Eli Pailet.

Harold graduated from John F. Kennedy High School and the University of New Orleans, majoring in Business (Insurance). He began his own business, Care Insurance Services (Health Care Brokerage) in 1979 which still exists today.

Harold had a "presidential personality". If he was a member of an organization, he ultimately became president: President of a chapter of B'nai B’rith Youth Organization, President of Hillel at LSU, President of the Brotherhood at Congregation Gates of Prayer Synagogue, President of Congregation Beth Israel Synagogue, and President of the International B'nai B’rith Bowling Association.

Besides bowling, Harold loved the theater, attending shows regularly at the Saenger and Rivertown Theater for the Performing Arts. More importantly, he loved his family and friends. Spending time with nieces and nephews and their children was especially important. Dining out with friends was his other favorite past time. Staying connected to friends through food (especially rib eye steaks and typical New Orleans food) was what he enjoyed, and do not forget his "chocolate soup" snowballs! Harold taught his family the value of love and extended that to his community.

Harold taught Religious School at Congregation Gates of Prayer for many years at various grade levels. His style of teaching endeared him to many of his students! He also helped prepare some of them for their bar or bat mitzvahs. He considered himself a "communicator", finding ways to communicate ideas so others could understand and benefit.

His family would like to thank his doctors, Dr. Jon Mizrahi, Dr. David Pointer, and Dr. Danielle Nodurft for all of their dedication and care, his Visiting Angel, Charlotte Piper, who took wonderful care of Harold with gentleness and a good dose of laughter to brighten his spirits, Laura Cook, his Home Health nurse, and Heart of Hospice Nurses and Aide, Hannah, Emily and Megan who made his last days as comfortable as possible with love and compassion. Finally thank you to all of the wonderful friends and family who visited, called, texted and made Harold feel special and loved with their kindnesses until the end.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend services on Sunday, August 31, 2025 at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd., New Orleans, LA 70124. Visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m. until the service at 11:00 a.m. Rabbi Yossie Nemes and Rabbi David Gerber officiating. Burial will be at Beth Israel Cemetery, 4321 Frenchmen Street, New Orleans, LA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, Congregation Beth Israel, Congregation Gates of Prayer, or the charity of your choice.

Harold was a loving son, husband, brother, father, grandfather, relative and friend - an inspiration to all who knew him. He will certainly be missed.