PORTSMOUTH—Louis Brenner, 98, died on May 14, 2021.
He was born and raised in Richmond, Va. After graduating from the University of Richmond in 1943, he joined the U.S. Navy. Upon completion of his military service, he obtained his law degree from the University of Virginia and thereafter practiced law in Portsmouth for approximately 50 years.
Among his many activities, he was president of the Portsmouth Bar Association and president of Tidewater Legal Aid. He served as president of Portsmouth Child and Family Service; president of Portsmouth Health and Home Care; president of Portsmouth Kiwanis Club, Tidewater chairman of the DuPont Scholarship Committee for the University of Virginia; member of the Portsmouth Civil Service Commission; board member of the Portsmouth American Red Cross, Friends of Portsmouth Juvenile Court, and Friends of Chevra Thelim. He was a participant for many years in the Paired Reading and Bear Program at John Tyler School. While chairman of the Portsmouth Public Library Board, he was instrumental in establishing the Second Tuesday Forum Series. He also served as a volunteer at the Portsmouth Public Library. While president of the Portsmouth Tennis Association, he was instrumental in establishing the Portsmouth Bankers Tennis Tournament.
He was involved in the establishment of Temple Sinai and was a past president and long-time member of its board. He was president of the Portsmouth Jewish Community Council; chairman of the Portsmouth United Jewish Appeal and the Portsmouth representative to Beth Sholom Home of Virginia. He was a member of Ohef Sholom Temple.
Louis was predeceased by his wife of 73 years, Isabel; parents, Israel L. and Ida R. Brenner; sister, Ellen B. Sherman; and two brothers, Samuel H. Brenner and Phillip Brenner. He is survived by three children, Douglas (Sharon) of Colleyville, Texas, Claire Marks (Joel) of Florence, Oregon, and Daniel (Dale) of San Mateo, California; and four grandchildren, Alexa, William, Ari, and Kira.
A graveside service was held in Olive Branch Cemetery with Rabbi Rosalin Mandelberg officiating. Sturtevant Funeral Home.