by NEW ORLEANS — Longtime furniture retailer Mitchell Lloyd Mintz died on June 14 at age 74.
A native of New Orleans, Mintz graduated from the University of Alabama and later returned home to join the family business, Hurwitz Mintz Furniture. He became a third generation of the business, which was founded in New Orleans in 1923 by Joseph Hurwitz and Morris Mintz.
“A visionary and forward-thinking entrepreneur, he helped guide Hurwitz Mintz through decades of growth and transformation,” his obituary read. “He embraced innovation, expanded the company’s reach, and developed creative marketing and strategic initiatives that allowed the business to thrive in an ever-changing marketplace.”
The obituary went on to note that he genuinely cared about the people who worked for the business and considered them “part of the extended Hurwitz Mintz family.”
“He believed that a successful business was built on trust, loyalty, and relationships, and he took great pride in supporting and mentoring generations of employees throughout his career,” his obituary continued. “His leadership style was marked by kindness, respect and an unwavering commitment to those around him.”
It went on to describe him as a “passionate philanthropist whose generosity touched countless lives, and he quietly and consistently supported numerous charitable organizations and causes that were important to him, ranging from the arts and healthcare to animal welfare and medical research.”
Organizations he supported included the New Orleans SPCA, Touro Hospital, Hadassah, Shir Chadash, the March of Dimes, BRAVO, the Louisiana Research Consortium and many others.
“He believed deeply in giving back to the community that had given so much to him and his family.”
Mintz also was described as “an enthusiastic sports fan who rarely missed an opportunity to cheer for his beloved New Orleans Saints, New Orleans Pelicans and Alabama Crimson Tide. Whether watching a game with friends and family or discussing the latest season prospects, his passion for sports was infectious.”
His is survived by his devoted wife of 40 years, Christie Mintz; his daughter, Cheryl Mintz and her spouse, Brett Bauman; his mother, Elaine Mintz, and a granddaughter. He is also survived by his sisters-in-law Priscilla Gremillion (Glen) and Lucila Madden and his brothers-in-law, Barry Smith (Camille) and Robert Rachel (Donna).
A private graveside service was held in Metairie Lake Lawn Cemetery on Friday, June 19.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to one of the many charitable organizations Mintz supported throughout his lifetime.
