Peter L. Scharf

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Peter Scharf Obituary

Name: Celebration of Life for Peter L. Scharf
Location: HUMAN DEVELOPMENT CENTER at LSU HEALTH SCIENCE CENTER

Peter L. Scharf, Ed.D, loving husband and father, passed away on Sunday, August 27, after a brief illness at the age of 78. Peter was born to Austrian immigrants Edna and Irvin Scharf in 1945 in Manhattan, NY. Dr. Scharf was a high school athlete who played football and ran track before graduating and going to the University of Rochester, then serving as a Marine in the Intelligence Division. He followed that up by earning his Masters and PhD Degrees at Harvard University. Dr. Scharf was a nationally recognized leader in public health-focused criminology with a specialized focus on violent gun crimes. He authored several books, consulted with the FBI, ATF and most recently was working with the NOPD and local City Leaders. He has also been a mentor to many as well as a teacher to students around the world. He was the 2008 Foundations of Excellence Award winner at Texas State University and named Tulane University's outstanding public health teacher in both 2012 and 2013. At the time of his death, Dr. Scharf was an Adjunct Professor on the faculty of the LSU School of Medicine and Public Health. He was actively working to make our city a better place to live, work and raise our children. Peter's face was a familiar one because his opinion was sought by a media needy for answers to questions about crime on our streets. Peter's voice was familiar if you listened to morning radio. He was always available to discuss the issues. Peter Scharf loved our New Orleans, and she loved him back. He was not ready to call it quits nor was he ready to say goodbye to all who cared about him. He will be missed. He leaves behind his loving wife, Carolyn Lilly Scharf and his stepchildren who will miss their dear Papa: Shelly Wetherell (Bob), Timothy Lilly, Joseph Lilly (Heidi) and Clayton Lilly (Eva) and grandchildren Kira Perkins and Betty, Sammy and Annie Lilly. Please join Carolyn and Peter's friends for a Celebration of Life, Friday, September 1, 2023, 1:00. Human Development Center at LSU Health Science Center, 411 South Prieur St., New Orleans, La. 70112. Parking at the LSU Roman St. In lieu of flowers, contributions to the Carolyn Lilly Scharf Fund being managed by Pres Kabacoff will be greatly appreciated to help defray mounting medical expenses from Carolyn's care for Stage 4 brain cancer. Checks can be made to Pres Kabacoff and mailed to: Pres Kabacoff, Executive Chairmen of the Board of HRI Properties, 812 Gravier St., NOLA 70112.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Times-Picayune from Aug. 31 to Sep. 1, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Peter Scharf

11 Entries

Geri Blitzman

May 9, 2025

Peter was a sophomore when I was a freshman at the University of Rochester. He stopped by my cubicle at the library my first week on campus with the biggest smile imaginable and wrote down 10 adventures I could have on campus. That warm welcome and all the warmth in his excitement about College and UR made a lasting imprint. Love, Geri

Donna Montane

October 12, 2024

Dr. Sharf was a professor of mine at Seattle University in the 80s. I only had him for one class, abnormal psychology. He made it one of the most interesting and memorable classes. The thing I remember him most for is at the end of the term he said to me, "You can do anything you want to do." I had never heard that before and it was quite different than what I had been told. I've thought of his comment many times over the past 40 years. I believe it helped me achieve the successes I've had over those years. I am so grateful our paths crossed all those years ago.

Rafael Mahdavi

May 23, 2024

We didn't see each other enough, you in Louisiana, I in Paris. I have thought of you so often, I will continue to do so.
Love,
Rafael Mahdavi

Geri Blitzman

May 9, 2024

I just read of Peter's passing in the University of Rochester alumni notes. He was the most vibrant person in the class of '67 who I knew. I remember his befriending me my first week of college in the library and offering me 10 wonderful ideas for exploring/enjoying my new college home.
His smile and zest were wonderful.

I send my heartfelt condolences on your loss. May his memory be a blessing.
Geri Blitzman, UR, class of '68.

Heather Oglesby

March 14, 2024

Peter was my professor and mentor. I met him my senior year at Texas State. Thanks to Peter, I was able to achieve my career goals. He was a kind, sweet man who would always be there when you needed him. I thought of him as a second father. I´ve never met a person so full of life, who really believed and worked hard to make this world a better place. I´m blessed to have known a person as wonderful as Peter. My condolences to his family. Rest easy Peter

Leticia Pena Martinez

December 5, 2023

Such a dear colleague, mentor, and friend having worked alongside Dr. Scharf on projects for my Alma Mater, Texas State U. and Tulane U in 2008-2009. He saw the value I could bring to his work and offered me partnership opportunities when it was needed.
I'm sorry to just learn of his loss. He left a lasting impression on me and I know a legacy throughout. Unfortunately, I missed him by just months trying to reconnect. My condolences to his family.

Terry Oguinn

September 27, 2023

Rest in peace Dr. Scharf and many thanks for your work

Kate Puszykowski

September 11, 2023

Dr. Scharf was such a lovely, passionate, and inspiring person. He challenged and encouraged people to think bigger. He was always a delight to speak with while I was a student at LSU, and he will be greatly missed. Sending strength and love to his family during this difficult time.

Marlane Drake

September 5, 2023

I don't know how it happened. I was an agent at Met Life years ago. Somehow he agreed to an interview to examine one of the products. We met over a table; he never bought. But he was immensely gracious. I was impressed. Of course I saw him on TV. I was grateful for his knowledge and interest in the safety of our city. I will greatly miss his presence there and hope mightily that his interests will continue and deepen in his honor for the sake of New Orleans and the nation.

Glenn Holt

September 1, 2023

You were our mentor, our greatest champion and our dear deeply loved friend. I miss you deeply.

A gift of grace and love.

Semper Fi

Rest easy Peter

Adrienne Katner

August 30, 2023

My sincerest condolences to Peter´s family. He was a mentor to me and countless other young faculty and students. He challenged me, encouraged me, and made me laugh, I will miss him deeply.

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