Louis F. Body Iv

Louis F. Body IV passed away at his home on January 19, 2025, surrounded by his family, just as he had hoped. Lou, Big Lou, Papa Lou as he was affectionately known by, leaves behind his beloved wife and high school sweetheart Barbara Nicola Body with whom he shared a lifetime of love and adventure.

Born and raised in Shaker Heights, OH to Louis F. Body III and Margaret Williams Body Steele, Lou went to Shaker Heights High School and then went on to Miami of Ohio. At both schools he was a member of the golf and baseball teams, and for a short period of time was in contention to be drafted for the Philadelphia Phillies before a career-ending injury.

After college, he and Barbara moved to New York City where he began a long and illustrious 45+ year career on Wall Street where he honed his skills internationally and stateside as an investment specialist for Richardson Greenshields, James Capel, HSBC, and Dresdner Kleinwort Benson.

Lou and Barbara settled in Plandome, NY in 1972 and became permanent fixtures at The Creek Club in Locust Valley, NY. Golf was his passion as evidenced by the successful side business he ran from the basement, rebuilding and shafting golf clubs. He spent countless hours on golf courses around the world and was lucky and good enough to have had four holes-in-one.

He was also a staple at the Beaver Dam Winter Club, serving as a PeeWee hockey coach and advisor for several years. Lou also served as a General Manager in the Nassau County Ice Hockey Program, where his dedication and leadership were instrumental in the program’s remarkable success.

At age 70, he took up playing the piano, banjo, and dobro. For years he took lessons, attended band camps, and went to regular jam sessions, loving nothing more than finding a Bluegrass musical festival to attend. He and Barbara enjoyed 15 years in Dataw Island, SC before settling permanently in Jacksonville, FL.

A loyal and diehard sports fan, he rooted for the Cleveland Browns and Cleveland Indians (he never got behind their new name), and the New York Islanders for his entire life. He was a proud member of the Phi Delta Theta Fraternity, a Camp Dudley camper (#8328, iykyk), and was a longstanding member of The Congregational Church of Manhasset where he served on the Board of Trustees, including as Chair, for many years.

He was a giant of a man and a great friend who was devoted to his dogs. He loved telling (long) but funny stories and always appreciated a good dirty joke. But at his best, he was an exceptional husband, father, and grandfather. His love for Barbara, his wife of 61+ years, was a thing of beauty. He adored his three children – Karen Body Brennan (Michael), Robin Body, and Louis F. Body V (Elizabeth), and he was beyond proud of his six grandchildren, Ellison, Ted, and Lucy Brennan, and Ashton, Louis VI, and Bowen Body.

In February, Lou would have celebrated 50 years of sobriety, proud to not have had a drink in all that time. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be sent to Alcoholics Anonymous, https://www.aa.org/.

For those in the Jacksonville area, the family will be having a celebratory gathering at the San Jose Country Club on Wednesday, February 5 from 5:00-7:00 p.m.

For those on Long Island, the family will be gathering in June to celebrate Lou’s life at The Creek Club. Details to follow.