Samuel Harold Singer

1923 - 2020

Samuel Harold Singer became a blessed memory on January 15, 2020. He was 96 years old. Harold, as he was known to all, was born in New Orleans, LA on July 8, 1923. He spent a great deal of his young life living in the house behind E. Singer & Son, his father's hardware store on Freret St. He graduated from Fortier High School. The hardware business may have been in his blood, but Harold's true passion was flying airplanes. He learned how to fly at the tender age of 14, taking flying lessons at an old airport at the site of what is now the Elmwood Shopping center. In 1944, he enlisted and served as a 2nd Lieutenant in the U. S. Army Air Forces Southeast Flying Training Command based in Harlingen, TX, where he was stationed until the end of WWII. Harold's primary duty in the Command was towing targets behind his B-26 Marauder, training young Army aerial gunnery students how to shoot at enemy planes – a pretty scary job considering the fact that the new recruits were sending stray bullets all around him. When the war was over Harold returned to New Orleans and became the old hardware store's new proprietor. Soon thereafter, he married the love of his life, Goldie, with whom he spent the next seven decades, celebrating 74 years together last November. Harold is survived by Goldie, their two children, Ronald Singer (Donna), and Lisa Singer Sanders (Rob), five grandchildren and five great grandchildren. He was predeceased by his mother, Pauline, and father, Elias Singer, and three brothers and one sister. Harold will be missed greatly. He was a special person. He always had a joke to tell and a hug to give. He was sweet and kind and adored by all who knew him. His funeral will be held graveside at Jewish Burial Rights Cemetery, 4321 Frenchmen St. at 1:30 PM Sunday, January 19, 2020. Special thanks to Gwen Daggs for her unending kindness and care. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Harold's name to the World War II Museum or to the charity of your choice.