Louis Ludgin of Prospect Avenue, West Hartford, and New London, died Monday the 13th of September 2010. Born in Hartford, he was the son of the late Morris and Jennie (Mell) Ludgin. He was a graduate of Weaver High School. In a time where college was a luxury first generation Jews could ill afford, he started his career with Interstate Home Equipment. He enlisted in the Army at the start of WWII, attending OCS, earning the rank of Captain, and eventually in Europe as a member of SHAEF (Supreme Headquarters Allied Expeditionary Forces) and managing The Grand Hotel following the liberation of Paris. Prior to returning to the United States, he traveled to resettlement camps, located displaced members of his family, and arranged for them to be able to immigrate to the United States. He returned to Interstate, which dissolved and became Senak Company, eventually owning five branches in New York and New England and serving as President of the industry trade organization, NAIC (National Association of Installment Companies). As the house-to-house industry disappeared when store credit and the entire credit industry emerged, he was a founder of Coastal Tool & Supply of West Hartford, CT. Lou was a 32nd degree Mason, a founder and President of Beth-El Temple, was active and President of the Hartford Jewish Federation and gave freely of his time and expertise to a plethora of other charitable organizations. He was a founder and President of the Toppers and a member of Tumblebrook Country Club. Of most importance, he was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He leaves his children Rob and Karen Ludgin (Bloomfield), Drs. J. Richard and Cynthia Ludgin (Shaker Heights, OH), and Diane (New Haven); his grandchildren Peter and Elizabeth Ludgin (Washington, DC), Andrew and Jennifer Ludgin (West Harford), Jennifer Ludgin (Shaker Heights), Sarah Ludgin (New York City), and David Ludgin (Shaker Heights); and his great-grandchildren Sophie and Emma (Washington, DC), and Jake and Owen (West Hartford). He was predeceased by his wife Frances (Sanders), brother Jack and sister Mathilda (“Tillie”). The family will be eternally grateful for all the love and kindness bestowed on Lou by Teresa and Joey Murawski these past many months. Funeral services will be held Thursday the 16th of September at 10:30 A.M. at Beth-El Temple, 2626 Albany Avenue, West Hartford with Rabbis James Rosen and Stanley Kessler and Cantor Joseph Ness officiating. Following interment, the family will receive friends at his home, 799 Prospect Avenue, West Hartford. A memorial period will be observed through Friday afternoon. Contributions may be made to the Frances & Louis Ludgin Endowment Fund c/o Beth El Temple, 2626 Albany Avenue, West Hartford, 06117 or to the charity of your choice. For further information, directions or to sign the guestbook for Louis, please visit online at www.weinsteinmortuary.com.
