Eugene Bodner

EUGENE BODNER Founder and Chairman of the Board Bodner Metal & Iron Corp. Houston, Texas Eugene Bodner was born October 23, 1918 to Chaya Leah and Menachem Mendel Bodner in Bardejov, Czechoslovakia, and passed away with his family at his side May 12, 2008. He was 89. His mother had passed away when he was very young and at the encouragement of his father he came to the United States in 1936 to seek the blessings of freedom. Soon thereafter as the United States entered World War II, Gene began his service in the US Army where he served for four and a half years. Proudly becoming a citizen of the United States, he was part of the US forces that landed in France to help liberate the people of Europe. He learned that his father and other members of his family had perished during the holocaust at Auschwitz. A decorated veteran, he received among other honors, the Purple Heart for Military Merit. Yet for his bravery and valor, he was modest and unassuming. In 1946, he met and after a six week engagement, married Eve Pryzant. They had two children, Emanuel and Karen. After his son was born, Gene was encouraged to enter the recycling industry. Together with Eve, Gene founded Bodner Metal & Iron Corporation in 1948, where he instilled quality of product and service for his suppliers, consumers and staff. An early pioneer in the industry, he was among the first to place roll-off containers for the efficient recycling of industrial scrap metals. His passions in life centered on his family, industry and synagogue. He loved to attend and lead services in the chapels of Beth Yeshurun and Seven Acres; and members of the congregation loved his style. At home, his interpretations of the stories of Passover, as well as his singing of Chanukah songs became tradition. A member of the Israel Bond Prime Minister's Club, he loved the State of Israel and being Jewish. He was honored to have his family by his side as he achieved the observance of his second Bar Mitzvah. His sense of humor was dry and wonderful and he loved a good story. He was proud of the honor of being raised a Master Mason on June 19, 1986 in Temple Lodge No. 4 and immediately became a Scottish Rite Mason and a member of the Arabia Shrine Temple. Gene, a loving son, husband, father, grandfather and uncle, is preceded in death by his loving parents and wife Eve. He is survived by his son Emanuel and wife Jennifer; his daughter Karen; grandchildren Dr. Scott Chaiet, Jessica Bodner and Jeremiah Bodner. Services will take place at Beth Yeshurun Cemetery on Post Oak on Wednesday, May 14, 2008 at 11:00 AM. For those desiring, contributions may be made to Congregation Beth Yeshurun or Seven Acres in memory of Eugene Bodner.