Thomas Larmer Axelrad

Thomas Larmer Axelrad passed away at the age of 73 on Monday, September 23, 2019, at home with his family after a battle with cancer. Born in Freeport, Texas on October 23, 1945, Tom was the only child of Bernard Alexander Axelrad and Fay Larmer Axelrad. The family moved to New Orleans where he attended Sam Barthe through eighth grade and then graduated from St. Martin’s Episcopal High School in 1964. He obtained his B.A. in Economics from the University of Texas, where he was a Kappa Alpha. Tom began his professional career in Real Estate with Stan Weber and Associates, first as an agent and then as Vice President. He later became VP of Latter & Blum’s Commercial Division; managed repossessed properties for Gulf South Management; was a Real Estate Trust Officer for Hibernia Bank; and managed Tulane University’s properties held in trust. Tom was very involved in the Junior Chamber of Commerce and garnered a national Jay Cee’s member of the year award in 1976. Mayor Moon Landrieu awarded Tom the Key to the City that year. Tom obtained his Certified Commercial Investment Member designation in 1978, the 8th in the nation and the 2nd in Louisiana. New Orleans Magazine named Tom as one of the 81 people to watch in 1981. One of his passions was Carrollton Boosters, where all his children participated in various youth sports. For over 20 years he served in various capacities as a coach, age group coordinator, executive officer and ran the concession stand. He was proudly a Friend of Bill for nearly 16 years. He enjoyed photography and traveling the world with his wife, Sheryl and close friends, Vicki and Tom Champion. Post Katrina, Tom used his varied experience in real estate to help those rebuilding the city and founded Axelrad and Associates Home Inspectors. Instead of retirement he became a licensed home inspector, and then a Certified Master Inspector. He built his business specializing in New Orleans style and historic properties. The firm continues to provide services in the greater New Orleans area. He leaves his wife of 38 years, Sheryl Story, four children and five grandchildren: Dr. Thomas William Axelrad (Kelly) and granddaughter Mallie Claire Axelrad of California; Brian Alexander Axelrad (Dr. Kellie) and granddaughter Bailey Fay Axelrad of New Orleans; Damaris Fay Bayard (Roy) and granddaughter Brooke Olivia Bayard of Metairie; and Charles Story Axelrad (Katherine) and granddaughter Vivienne Lysette Axelrad and grandson Zedd Archer Axelrad of Harahan. He is also survived by his first wife Carol Darley of Covington (mother of Bill and Brian); his mother-in-law, Damaris Story of Plymouth, IN; sister-in-law Betsy Story of Waltham, MA; brother-in-law Greg Story of Plymouth, IN; and close cousins Louis Cappiello of Prairieville, LA; Karen Cappiello of Belle Chasse, LA; and Johanna Leopold of Belle Chasse, LA. Services to honor Tom’s life will be on Monday, September 30, 2019 at JACOB SCHOEN & SON, 3827 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA 70119. Visitation is from 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM, followed by a Memorial Service at 12:15 PM in the Chapel. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations in Tom’s name to the New Orleans Habitat for Humanity [http://www.habitat-nola.org/] to fund housing toward creating a thriving community.

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