Stan Levy

Stan Levy, a month shy of 89, passed away peacefully on October 23, 2023, surrounded by his loving family. Married to his adoring wife of 68 years, Anne Skorecki Levy; two surviving daughters, Sheryl Levy of Covington, LA and Robin Levy (Bobby Garon) of New Orleans; adoring grandchildren, Farrah Levith of Grand Junction, CO, Jess Levith (Alex Macy) of Oakland, CA, Sean Udin (Marisa Cohen) of Phoenix, AZ, Taylor Levy of New Orleans, Marcel Garon of London, UK and Emile Garon of Brooklyn, NY. He was also survived by five precious great-grandchildren, Brooklyn, Melody, Tyler, George and Noah. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Frances Levy and his youngest daughter, Carol Levy Creighton. Stan was born in Rochester, NH on November 22, 1934, and grew up in Lowell, MA. After graduating high school, he immediately joined the US Air Force and was stationed at Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, MS. He met his future bride at a USO dance hosted by the New Orleans JCC. Stan and Anne married in 1955 and had their oldest daughter, Sheryl, while stationed in Puerto Rico. After an honorable discharge, they moved back to Anne’s hometown of New Orleans and had two additional daughters. Always known as Gene by family and friends, Gene became “Stan” professionally. He first sold encyclopedias, then insurance and became the top producer in Louisiana for both companies. With a growing family, Stan needed a job that did not take him on the road. With a high school education and extremely modest means, Stan’s fearless spirit, contagious smile, and business savvy allowed him to eventually open his eponymous store “Stan Levy Imports.” With Anne as his equal partner, Stan would open his doors daily, greeting neighbors and customers, welcoming visitors from all walks of life, locally, nationally, and internationally. Together Anne and Stan travelled to England, France and Argentina importing antiques. Most rewarding of all was the enduring legacy he built with Anne by his side, and the safe haven they created for a uniquely New Orleans eclectic community. Whether in need of an antique or the support of a friend, Stan welcomed all equally. An early pioneer on Magazine St, Stan was a founding member of the Magazine Street Merchants Association and assumed the role of president in its earliest years. He was also a member of Touro Synagogue. It is also important to note that Stan’s steadfast support enabled Anne to discover her own strength necessary for her to confront racism and hate. The family requests in lieu of flowers that any donation in Stan’s honor be made to the War Veterans or to a charity of one’s choice. Relatives and friends are invited to celebrate Stan’s life on Thursday, October 26, 2023, at 11:00, graveside at the Chevra Thilim Memorial Gardens located at 5000 Iberville St. in New Orleans.