Alain R. Seligman's Obituary
Alain Robert Seligman passed away on December 28, 2012 at the age of 86 years. He was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy Elizabeth Best Seligman, his parents Roger Adolphe Leonard Seligman and Jeanne Letitia David-Weill, both of Paris, France and his sisters Marie-Claire Orlins and Martine Boileau. He is survived by his daughter Claudia E. Seligman and his beloved menagerie, Kookie, Bitzie and Kittie.
A native of Neuilly-sur-Seine, France, he immigrated to the United States during WWII in 1940. He attended The Hotchkiss School in Lakeville, Connecticut and like most of his classmates left during his senior year to enlist in the service. He enlisted in the French Navy at 17 years old and was commissioned an officer and awarded his naval aviator wings when he was barely 18 years old, the youngest to do so. He subsequently was also commissioned in the US Navy. He was awarded a Distinguished Flying Cross. He became a naturalized American citizen in 1952.
After the war, he attended Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, NY where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. He subsequently moved to Texas and worked in the oil industry. In 1957, he moved to New Orleans and purchased the old Canulette Shipyard, renaming the yard Southern Shipbuilding Corporation. He remained President/CEO until closure of the yard in 1993. He so enjoyed shipbuilding and design, having designed and constructed a number of “firsts” in the shipbuilding industry.
During his retirement, he enjoyed engineering work with his daughter in her business. He was an avid snow skier, having raced downhill in the Harriman Cup and having taught skiing in Sun Valley, Idaho. He enjoyed cooking and always enjoyed trying new recipes. He was a former member of the Krewe of Olympia, St. Tammany Economic Development Foundation, Association of Naval Aviation, and the Rensselaer Alumni Board as well as several professional organizations. Most of all, he will be remembered as a loving and caring father throughout his entire life.
The family would like to thank Dr. Rab, Dr. Salam, Dr. Sachdev and Dr. Kesler for their unyielding support.
Burial services will be private.
The family would prefer contributions to the Lewy Body Dementia Association, www.lbda.org.
What’s your fondest memory of Alain?
What’s a lesson you learned from Alain?
Share a story where Alain's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Alain you’ll never forget.
How did Alain make you smile?