Edwin Tanenbaum

1929 - 2020

Edwin "Ed, Tiptoe, Poppa" Tanenbaum passed away peacefully in his sleep on August 3, 2020. Ed was born in Brooklyn, New York on April 23, 1929. He was raised by his parents Shirley and Abe, and by his Aunt Goldie and Uncle Jeff, who lived in the neighborhood. His aunt and uncle also introduced him to his future wife, but that comes later. After Ed contracted polio at the age of 2, both families sacrificed to get him the best treatments available, always accompanying him to every medical treatment. Through his strength of spirit and their support, he was able to live a full life in spite of the lingering effects of polio. This stubbornness to never give in and look at the life's gifts would be a theme throughout his life. At the age of 8 he and his family moved to New Orleans. He was active in sports, loved basketball, yet was quick to say that "you don't measure a man's worth from head to toe, but through his mind." Ed attended Tulane University and then made a successful career in the women's wholesale clothing business. He loved the joy that he brought his clientele and was especially revered for his engaging personality and warmth. His success would help him to quickly rise the ranks to become a leading sales executive, where he went on to mentor other salesmen. He was introduced to the love of his life –Judith 'Juju' Schacter – by his aunt and uncle and doted on her obsessively until the day he passed. She was his heart. Together they raised their beloved children, Rian, Bret and Tara. In them, he passed on his thirst for knowledge and strong sense of family. He relished sharing teachable moments with them. Family was always number one for Ed. This extended to all of the members of his tribe, especially his younger brother and best friend Elliott Tanenbaum. A natural storyteller, Ed loved to regale anyone and everyone in the ways of the world. He knew where to get the best of everything in town, be it a Po-boy at Jack Dempsey's or turtle soup from Mandina's. Often his tips were unsolicited, but what drove him was making sure that you had the best time possible in any situation. He was that kind of guy with a big loving heart. Your joy was his joy, often with a knowing look and a smile. To say he loved horseracing would be an understatement. He was rewarded with this love when he was made a Louisiana State Racing Commissioner. At the betting window, he won more than he lost. In life, he always stopped to enjoy the simple things in life: a Cuban cigar, a good laugh, a Tootsie Pop or Shark Week. He was fluent in Yiddish and loved singing old songs from the old country to his children whenever they were together. He was a sharp card player and proudly taught his children and grandchildren the proper way to play poker. He was the founder of the "Tanenbaum Family Tribe" and inducted each of his grandkids into the club. His nickname was "Sitting Bull." They don't make guys like Ed Tanenbaum anymore. He will be deeply missed by his grandchildren Zachary, Blair, Corbin and Ali Tanenbaum, Rachel and Ethan Mann, and his caretakers daughter-in-law Teri, as well as the always helpful Jerome. He believed that laughter was the best medicine, and a day without laughter was a wasted day. And Ed rarely wasted a day. To honor Ed's life, please make a donation to Synagogue Gates of Prayer https://www.gatesofprayer.org/payment.php or bet the longshot in the 7th at Saratoga. Private family graveside services were held on Thursday, August 6, 2020 at Chevra Thilim Memorial Park with Rabbi David Gerber officiating. Arrangements by Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home. Condolences may be expressed online at www.lakelawnmetairie.com.