Saul Hirsch Schneider

Saul Hirsch Schneider died peacefully on April 13th at Lambeth House in New Orleans after a long battle with cancer.

Born in New Orleans on March 3, 1930 to Edward and Rebecca Yasnyi Schneider, Saul was the oldest of two sons. His mother was unable to care for the children due to a major illness when Saul was quite young, and he and his brother were raised by his grandparents, Samuel and Clara Lopotinsky Yasnyi, whom he called angels. He was predeceased by his parents and his brother Aaron (Bertha). Saul lost his beloved wife Jennie 17 days before his passing. He is survived by his daughter, Patricia Schneider; son, David L Schneider, MD (Helen); and grand-daughters Hannah Schneider Thornton (Dave); and Cora Jennie Schneider.

In 1950, Saul was Louisiana State Table Tennis Champion and he met his bride-to-be Jennie Ogden when he needed a partner for a mixed doubles tournament. He was immediately smitten, a love affair that lasted over 67 years. They shared similar values and a deep love of family, education, active involvement in the Jewish community and helping those less fortunate. Family and friends knew Saul as a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who loved his family, music, Jewish humor, word games, books, sports (especially the Saints), New Orleans and Jewish cuisine and community theater. In earlier years, he performed on stage at Tulane Summer Lyric, Le Petit Theatre and Jefferson Performing Arts Center. At Touro Synagogue, he taught Sunday school, performed in the choir and served as a substitute cantor singing liturgical music on Sabbath, Jewish holidays, family Seders and other occasions.

Saul earned bachelor’s degrees from Tulane and Loyola and became a registered pharmacist, later awarded a Doctor of Pharmacy from Loyola in 1982. He began his 44-year pharmacy career at Katz & Besthoff Drug Stores and helped his family run Schneider Drug Store on Freret Street. At K&B, he worked his way up to chief pharmacist and store manager. Later, he was tapped to serve as executive buyer for pharmaceuticals before becoming Vice President of Pharmacy Affairs. Over his tenure, the company grew from 18 to 197 stores in eight states. He served on the Advisory Boards of Roche, Squibb, Bristol, Marion and Knoll Pharmaceuticals and was selected by his peers in 1996 to receive the prestigious National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS) Harold W. Pratt Award, its highest national pharmacy honor. Saul was responsible for pharmacy operations and services and pioneered community programs regarding patient education and advocacy, ethics and safety. Saul served on the Board for the State Pharmacy Museum, Advisory Board of Pharmaceutical Services for the Louisiana State Dept of Public Welfare and the Board of Hospice. His professional affiliations included the Louisiana State Pharmaceutical Association, American Pharmaceutical Association, NACDS and the American Society of Consultant Pharmacists. After retiring from K&B, Saul donated his time as a volunteer pharmacist at the Society of St. Vincent de Paul and was adjunct professor of Pharmacy Marketing at Xavier University.

Saul had a unique musical talent for vocalizing in a cappella harmony which started when he joined the local chapter of the SPEBSQSA, now Barbershop Harmony Society. Saul’s talent and drive to excel allowed him to lead the Mardi Gras Chorus as its conductor and musical director. His highlight was their performance of the national anthem at the 1975 Super Bowl IX at Tulane Stadium. Saul also had the honor of jointly conducting a performance of the Mardi Gras Chorus and the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra. Saul sang in several quartets (Delta Flats, Beachcombers, Remoulads, and Silver Jubilee) for over 50 years performing numerous benefits and functions around the region. He honed his craft to become a certified Interpretation and Presentation Judge at the highest levels of competition in the genre and coached quartet and chorus contestants, including the Sweet Adelines. Saul was elected to the Barbershop Southwestern District Hall of Fame for his contributions to the industry. He also enjoyed performing Broadway music and music of the 1940’s.

With a song in his heart, Saul continued to sing, play piano and share his love of music as a resident at Lambeth House; he enjoyed nothing more than entertaining others. He collaborated with Jennie on performances to highlight memorable moments from American popular songs including a salute to the 200th Anniversary of The Louisiana Purchase (2003). Their favorite duet was “I Remember It Well” from Gigi.

Saul and Jennie are together again.

The family appreciates the care and kindness both Saul and Jennie received from the staff while residents at Lambeth House. A memorial donation can be made to Broadway Services Inc., Employee Appreciation Fund, 150 Broadway, New Orleans, Louisiana 70118; New Orleans Pharmacy Museum, Xavier University New Orleans School of Pharmacy, Barbershop Harmony Society or a charity of your choice.