Nathan I. Gordon

November 12,1938 - November 28, 2024

Nathan Gordon, resident of New Orleans, Louisiana, passed away on November 28, at the age of 86.

He was born on November 12,1938 in Columbus, Ohio. Nate was first generation American, whose father emigrated as a young child from Russia. He displayed keen intelligence and talent for music as a young child. Nate attended The Ohio State University as a music major and was a member of the OSU marching band. He felt that this experience instilled in him a striving for excellence throughout his life.

As foretold in the American Dream, anyone who dreams, works hard and never gives up can make things happen and succeed. Nate was a self made man who played trumpet with the Jimmy Dorsey Band, in the waning days of the Big Band era. He taught himself the business of business and succeeded as an entrepreneur and stock broker. He was known for his love of life, New Orleans culture and his witty, playful personality. He greeted friends with a twinkle in his eye that had a laugh waiting in the wings.

Nate established the Nathan and Priscilla Gordon Foundation to provide multi-generational jazz education, identify and cultivate young talent and promote engaging, live music performances with emphasis on free to the public. His contribution to the future of New Orleans jazz musicians will be his enduring legacy.

He is survived by his wife, Priscilla Harley Gordon, his daughter, Sharyl Gordon of Lakewood, Colorado. and nephew and niece, Ron and Judy Cohen of Columbus, Ohio. He was preceded in death by his son, Scott Gordon.

Special thanks to the kind and caring staff at Poydras Home and his devoted friend, Tony Castle.

Nate was a member of the marching band in 1956 and 1957. He played trumpet.