Louis Tanzer of Beverly, born Dec. 25, 1920, passed away at his home on, Sept. 22, 2026. He was 105.
He is survived by his children Gail and Jeff; his grandchildren Marielle (Kyle), Hannah (Joe) and Mark; and his great-granddaughter Willow. He was predeceased by his devoted wife Roslyn; his son-in-law, Wilbert; and his siblings Samuel, Jay and Millie. He enjoyed his time with all the family, including a wonderful group of nieces and nephews and their spouses, and his sister-in-law Rita.
Louis, mostly known as Lou, grew up in Peabody but lived in Beverly after he married in 1951. As a child, he worked on many farms along the North Shore and then in Peabody’s leather factories as a teenager. Since his older brother was in the army during World War II, Lou was left to support his mother and could have received a deferment. Instead, he enlisted along with two of his best friends: Lou went into the Marines, Rolce into the Army, and Alec into the Navy. Lou was a staff sergeant, serving with the 4th Marine Aircraft Wing in the Pacific. Family and friends enjoyed hearing him talk about his time in the Marines, and he spoke often of how proud he was to have served his country. He was a past Commander of the Goldberg-Zassman Post of the Jewish War Veterans, currently Post 220.
After his discharge, he earned certification in quantitative chemistry from Lowell Tech. He was then able to work as a color chemist in the leather tanning industry, obtaining many patents for new color pigments and dyes. He was a survivor of polyurethane poisoning in that industry, resulting in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. However, this setback never deterred his fighting spirit, and he was able to live a long and productive life, enjoying time with family and friends, especially on the golf course, and on many memorable travel adventures with Roslyn. He was past president of the Brotherhood at Temple B’nai Abraham in Beverly and worked alongside many in establishing the new synagogue on Lothrop Street.
Lou and his family were very grateful for the exceptional care he received from his VA healthcare team, allowing him to remain comfortably at home for his remaining years. His last few years were also made more meaningful and enjoyable due to the kind support from leaders in the veteran community and members of the Veterans Services Council of Beverly. He was also very grateful for the caring and watchful oversight from his many kind neighbors.
A graveside service will take place at the Sons of Abraham Cemetery, 18 Cole Street, Beverly, on Sept. 30. After the service, friends and relatives are invited to gather in celebration of Louis’s life at his home in Beverly. Donations may be made in Louis’s memory to Disabled American Veterans. Arrangements by Stanetsky-Hymanson Memorial Chapel, Salem.
