Louis Weinstein, owner of Mati's Deli in Dearborn, died 'while scuba diving'

Louis Weinstein, the owner of Mati’s Deli in Dearborn, has died. He was 63.

A post on Mati’s Deli's Facebook page stated that Weinstein passed away suddenly and the deli is closed for bereavement.

Weinstein of Wyandotte died Aug. 1 while “scuba diving — something that he loved,” according to a GoFundMe organized by Brittany Weinstein to support the staff at Mati's Deli while the restaurant is closed.

Weinstein will be remembered for "his funny, adventurous and loving spirit,” according to the GoFundMe post.

One Facebook commenter called Weinstein the "gold standard for the best customer service in the world. We loved him and we love Mati's."

The photo of Weinstein on the Facebook post — according to commenter Al Poe, who knew Weinstein well and visited the deli often — was of Weinstein making his famous cream cheese brownies.

The Dearborn Area Chamber of Commerce commented on a Mati's Deli Facebook post:

"We are deeply sorry for your loss, and the loss of a great community supporter. You couldn't wish for a better "can-do" unsung hero in your corner. Xoxo"

Weinstein died in Gibsonburg, Ohio at the White Star Quarry, according to the Sandusky County Sheriff's office.

White Star Quarry is less than an hour south of Toledo. It's known as a popular spot for inland diving in Northern Ohio, according to its website.

Weinstein was at the quarry, according to the sheriff's report, diving with friend Robert Gnam, also of Wyandotte. Barbara Friedman of Trenton, Weinstein's girlfriend, was there but waited on shore. Both men, according to the report, had been diving together for five to six years and each had nearly 10 years of diving experience.

Gnam told a sheriff deputy the dive had been "normal and relaxing with no distress." The two dove to the maximum depth of 44 feet, staying together for the approximate 30-35 minute dive.

"At no time were either diver in any type of distress," the report states.

When two friends surfaced to swim back to shore, Weinstein, according to the report, was surprised at how far they swam across the quarry and were closer to the swimming area.

On the swim back to where they entered the water, Gnam stated, Weinstein began to cough and said he was having trouble breathing. Weinstein told Gnam he didn't think he could make it back to the entry point and wanted to swim to the swimming area because it was closer. "As the pair began to swim to the beach, Louis stated that his legs were very heavy and was having trouble swimming," the report states.

Gnam told Weinstein to "relax" and said he would pull him by his Buoyancy Control Device (BCD). During that time, the report states, Weinstein passed out and Gnam tried to revive him but said "Louis rolled face down in the water." Gnam rolled Weinstein on his back and fully inflated his BCD and as he got closer to the swim area began yelling for help.

Lifeguards swam out and pulled the unresponsive Weinstein out of the water and began lifesaving efforts, which were unsuccessful.

Gnam and Friedman told the sheriff's office they were not aware of any prior medical issues with Weinstein.

Mati’s Deli has been a staple at 1842 Monroe St. in Dearborn for decades. It was a former 1926 gas station near the city’s historic district. Mati’s Deli boasts more than three decades in business on its website in the same building with white tile and black trim.

Its menu consists of classic deli sandwiches made on local baked bread, from sandwiches piled high with corned beef to turkey breast and chicken salad. Many of the sandwiches are named, including Carol’s Temptation, Aaron’s Bite, the albacore tuna Goodbye Charlie and Brittany’s Ticket, a roast beef brisket. There are also low sodium and low cholesterol options. Mati’s Deli is also known for its matzo ball soup and Knish.

Weinstein's funeral was Friday at the Ira Kaufman Chapel, 18325 W. Nine Mile in Southfield and was followed by the interment at Oakview Cemetery in Royal Oak.

According to the funeral home, Weinstein's family will gather from 5 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Sunday and Monday with religious services held at 7 p.m. both days.

Weinstein is survived by his children Gerald Weinstein and Brittany Weinstein (Jules Fisher), son of Beverly (Elliot) Rappaport and the late Gerald S. Weinstein; brother of Sondra (Ron) Ferrar and Richard Weinstein. He is also survived by long-term companion Barb Friedman; nephew of Marvin (Eleanor) Weinstein, Sydney (Judith) Weinstein and is survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Louis Weinstein, owner of Mati's Deli, died 'while scuba diving'