Norman Roy Lepow

Norman Roy Lepow was born on February 1, 1932 in New Orleans, Louisiana to parents Mollie (nee Heiman) and Charles Lepow. He passed away peacefully on October 2, 2023 after a lengthy battle with dementia. Norman grew up in New Orleans with his parents, siblings and many fun-loving cousins. He graduated in 1949 from Alcee Fortier High School. He proudly graduated from the University of Alabama (Roll Tide). Throughout his life, Norman remained close to his Zeta Beta Tau fraternity brothers. Norman served in the United States Air Force, stationed at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida. After college and military service, he moved back to New Orleans to start several small businesses. It was there that he met the love of his life, Sophia Greenberg, who was widowed with two young children. Norman and Sophia married in 1959 and Norman adopted Debbie and Ron. After Sophia’s father died, they moved to Shreveport to join Sophia’s mother in their family business. Their third child, Gloria, arrived in 1964.

 In October 2020, after 60 years together, Sophia passed away with Norman at her side. They worked together for many years at Blue Grass Liquor Company, Shreveport Beverage Agency, Mid State Beer Distributing and Cuban Liquor. He and Sophia traveled the world both for work and pleasure. He was creative, entrepreneurial and knew a good product when he saw one (and even created a few along the way)! After retirement, Norman became certified in pilates instruction and opened his own studio, Fundamental Fitness. For a time, he had the first and only pilates studio in Shreveport.

Norman was a sportsman. He loved water skiing as a young man, tennis and golf. He fished, rode horses and enjoyed bird hunting. Mostly, he liked to have fun. His friends and family could always count on him for a good prank or a dirty joke.

Norman was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Morris Lepow, Sol Lepow, and sister Rosalyn Gordon Lord, and his beloved grandson Charles Ziegler. He is survived by his children, Debbie Ziegler of Houston, Ron (Marti) Lepow of Shreveport, and Gloria (Daniel) Reisner of Chicago. He is also survived by his grandchildren Jeffrey Ziegler, Melanie Ziegler, Sam (Lane) Lepow, Brice Lepow, William Reisner, and Jacob Reisner; and great-grandchildren Jayda, Jay and Joseph. Norman had a special place in his heart for his many nephews and nieces.

A graveside service with immediate family was held at Greenwood Cemetery, officiated by Rabbi Jana L. De Benedetti. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be sent to B’nai Zion Congregation 245 Southfield Rd., Shreveport, LA 71106, Louisiana Association for the Blind, 1826 Claiborne Ave., Shreveport, LA, 71103, or the Alzheimer's Association, 225 North Michigan Ave, Floor 17, Chicago IL, 60601.