Michael Alan Ginsberg

Michael Alan Ginsberg, age 86, of New Orleans passed away peacefully on May 31, 2023. He is survived by his beloved wife of 36 years, Sara (“Sally”) Lewis Ginsberg, his daughter, Joan Ellen (“Joanie”) Ginsberg Lauther and husband Bob, his son, Mark Daniel Ginsberg and wife Donna, his stepdaughters, Melanie Jeanne Forbes and Sara Forbes Ardoin and husband Marc, his grandchildren, Jessica Ann Lauther, Sara Elizabeth Box and husband Brooks Cowan, Benjamin Michael Box, Madelyn Elise Ray, Alexandra Grace Ardoin, William Marc Ardoin, David Payton Ray, and Claire Forbes Ardoin, his great-granddaughter, Eulalie Rose Cowan, and his brother, Phillip Ginsberg Zell and wife Cindy. He was preceded in death by his father, Clarence Ginsberg, his mother, Ethel Freedman Ginsberg, and his brother, David Mark Ginsberg.

Born on January 14, 1937 in Jacksonville, Florida, Michael finished high school in Pahokee, Florida where he met and married Melba Pugh. He worked diligently to obtain his degree from the University of Florida, attending classes at night while earning a living during the day to support his family. Michael was always dressed to the nines and was named “Best Dressed” in his senior year of high school, which prophetically paved his career path in the apparel industry where he held positions as sales representative for various apparel distributors. Most notably, he worked many years with Donnkenney, Inc. working the Arkansas/Louisiana/Mississippi territory while living in Memphis, Tennessee. Just prior to his retirement, he worked as a sales representative for Rubenstein Bros. on Canal Street in New Orleans, where he was able to utilize his best-honed tool of impeccable taste to ensure that his customers were dressed to his standards. Michael and Sally met on a blind date and very quickly fell in love, which brought him to New Orleans where he truly always felt at home. He and Sally raised her two young daughters, welcomed grandchildren, and enjoyed traveling to many exciting places. Their home on Walmsley Avenue served as both a restaurant and bunkhouse for Melanie and Sara’s many friends – especially during Mardi Gras! Regardless of the occasion, everyone was always welcomed with open arms and a place at the table.

Services will be held at 2:00 P.M. on June 20, 2023, at the reception hall of Ye Olde College Inn (3000 S. Carrollton Ave., New Orleans 70118), with Rabbi David Gerber presiding and a reception to immediately follow. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the charity of your choice in Michael’s memory. Arrangements entrusted to Neptune Society.

The family sends its heartfelt thanks to the staff at SummerHouse Vista Shores Assisted Living Memory Care, who provided compassionate care for Michael in his last year, and who were at his side as he passed away.