Harold Erath

Harold Gerard (Jerry) Erath passed away peacefully on Veterans Day,  November 11, aged 97 years. His greatest source of pride and joy was his family and he is fondly remembered as an exemplary source of humor, wisdom, love and devotion, and a great teller of stories around the dinner table at large family gatherings. His life was further characterized by integrity and the work-ethic.  He is pre-deceased by his wife of 72 years, Constance Scholly Erath at age 92. 

He is lovingly remembered by his three sons: Harold G. Erath, Jr., M.D (Paula), David J. Erath (Carol, deceased; Nancy) and Mark E. Erath (Pamela). He has 11 grandchildren: Allison Shipp (Micah), Jeffrey Erath (Hari Priya), Daniel Erath (Mariella), David Erath, Jr. (Birgit), Stephen Erath (Anne), Sally Erath (Michael), Rebecca Orozco (Harold), Sarah Erath, Julie Ola (Theophilus), Valerie Daire (Daniel) and Ryan Erath. He also delighted in 11 great grandchildren: Van, Parker, Emilio, Lucia, Benjamin, Audrey, Helena, Marco, Abigail, Miles and Wesley. He is survived also by his youngest sister Patricia Sagnibene. 

He was born August 10, 1924, the third of eight children of Charles G. Erath and Bertha Queré Erath, and is predeceased by 3 brothers and 3 sisters. He was profoundly influenced by the Sacred Heart Brothers and graduated from St. Aloysius High School, then fought in World War II, rising to Master Sergeant in the 666th Field Artillery in the European Theater, braving the Rhineland Campaign and fighting in the pivotal Battle of the Bulge. Briefly before, and after returning from World War II, he worked his entire career at  Whitney National Bank, where he met his future bride. Beginning  as a “runner,” he eventually headed the International Banking Department for over 20 years and served in the Corporate Banking area prior to his retirement. He attended Loyola University and was a graduate of the American Institute of Banking, a past member of its Board of Directors and also its past president. He was a member of the Board of Directors of the Bankers Association for Foreign Trade and the New Orleans Board of Trade, and a member of the Chamber of Commerce of New Orleans, the Foreign Relations Association, the World Trade Club of New Orleans, the Propeller Club, the International House and the Plimsoll Club. He was a lecturer at Tulane University institute of Trade and Transportation. 

He was a founding director of the St. Aloysius Century Foundation and a member of the Knights of Columbus for over 50 years, as well as a charter member of the National World War II Memorial, the National D-Day Museum and the Veterans of the Battle of the Bulge. 

After losing their home and practically all possessions in hurricane Katrina, he and his wife were residents of Chateau de Notre Dame, and special thanks go out to the staff and fellow residents there.

Funeral Services and Memorial Mass are private. The family invites you to share your thoughts and condolences online at www.schoenfh.com. Please consider a donation in Jerry’s name to the Brothers of the Sacred Heart Provincial Office or to the charity of your choice.
 

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