Sterling Comeaux, furniture retailer Submitted by N.O.V.A. Times Picayune 07-31-2006 ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://usgwarchives.net/la/lafiles.htm ************************************************ Sterling W. "Buddy" Comeaux Jr., founder and owner of Comeaux Furniture & Appliance Inc., died Saturday of heart disease at his Metairie home. He was 73. A native New Orleanian who became a successful businessman in his mid-20s, Mr. Comeaux felt the next logical place to expand in 1958 was Jefferson Parish, even though advisers told him that spending $25,000 for a tract along Veterans Highway (now Veterans Memorial Boulevard) was too big a risk because the area was undeveloped. He proved them wrong. Mr. Comeaux, who already had carved out a niche selling appliances, gained enough space to let him expand into furniture, bedding and decorative accessories. A trade newspaper named him one of America's best retailers. Mr. Comeaux graduated from Jesuit High School and went to Tulane University, but he had to drop out because his father died. He worked on the riverfront to support his family. He started his sales career when he was 19, when he sold box window fans. Within two years, he opened a store at 906 City Park Ave. and was selling television sets and household appliances at deep discounts. He was a director of Al Copeland Enterprises and a founding member and director of the Veterans Men's Business Club and the Century National Bank. Survivors include his wife, Corinne R. Comeaux; four sons, Sterling W. "Chip," Michael L. Comeaux Sr. and Norman R. and Rene S. Comeaux; two daughters, Lisa C. Theriot and Linda C. Boucree; a sister, Marcelle C. Decorte; and 21 grandchildren. A Mass will be said Tuesday at 1 p.m. at All Faiths Funeral Home Chapel, 5200 Canal Blvd. Visitation will begin at 11 a.m. Burial will be in All Saints Mausoleum in Metairie Cemetery. Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.