Alvin Samuels, age 88 years, died peacefully on Friday, December 30, 2022. Beloved husband of Madilyn Hecht Samuels for 62 years. Devoted father of Mark Samuels (Kara), Greg Samuels (Melanie) and the late Will Samuels (Jennifer). Father-in-law of the late Patti Arnold Samuels. Grandfather of Geoffrey (Anna), Dr. Eric (Ingrid), Naomi, Bram, Jacob, Livia, and Conor Samuels, and great-grandfather of Maren. Mr. Samuels grew up in Paragould, AR and graduated as the highest-ever ranking cadet from Western Military Academy. He then attended the University of Illinois, majoring in engineering, chemistry, and physics. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army. He and Madilyn married in 1960 in St. Louis, MO and he began working with Shell Oil Company as a deep drilling engineer. They transferred to New Orleans in 1967 after spending time in Denver and Oklahoma City. He was involved in some of the deepest drilling ever in the Gulf of Mexico. In 1972, he developed a process for treating hydrogen sulfide in oil and later in natural gas, thus forming the Ironite Products Company, and later the SulfaTreat Company. After retirement, he studied for a Master's Degree in Jewish Studies at Spertus College and authored two books. In recent years, he served on the Board of Advisors of Lawrenceville Plasma Physics, pioneers in the development of fusion energy. Mr. Samuels supported his New Orleans Jewish community in many ways. He was a Vice President of Shir Chadash Conservative Congregation, a campaign chairman and a member of the Jewish Community Relations Council for the Jewish Federation of Greater New Orleans, and was active in promoting Israel Bonds, for which he received an award. He and Madilyn are to be honored this spring by the Jewish Community Day School of New Orleans for their work and generosity. They were also honored by the Austin Jewish Academy, where they temporarily relocated after Hurricane Katrina. Funeral services will take place on Monday, January 2, 2023 at Shir Chadash Conservative Congregation, 3737 W. Esplanade Ave., Metairie, at 12:00 Noon, with a visitation beginning at 10:00 AM. Rabbi Scott Hoffman will officiate. A live stream of the service will be available at www.shirchadash.org beginning at noon. Interment will follow at Chevra Thilim Memorial Park, 5000 Iberville St., New Orleans. Kindly omit flowers. Memorials are suggested to the William Samuels Memorial Fund at Shir Chadash Conservative Congregation or to the Jewish Community Day School. Arrangements by Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home. Information (504)486-6331 or online at www.lakelawnmetairie.com.

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Published by The Times-Picayune on Jan. 1, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Alvin Samuels

Sponsored by Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home & Cemeteries.

8 Entries

Leslie and Nathan Fischman

January 3, 2023

Please accept our deepest sympathy

Teri Gross

January 2, 2023

I met Alvin when I became the first Director of the Florence Melton Adult Mini-School. If it were not for his generosity the Mini-School would not have existed. It was because of Alvin that so many in our community were able to share an amazing experience learning together. At today's service there was some mention of Alvin being a little "gruff or intimidating" and I remember someone once warning me not to take it to heart if he cut me off or hurt my feelings. And yes, he could be tough, but we got along really well. He reminded me of my father, tough sounding, but really the bark was bigger than the bite.

Even when I was no longer the Melton Director, I always hoped I would see Alvin at a community event when I traveled across the lake from Mandeville because whenever I saw him we would always have unique conversations. He will always be remembered as someone very special that enhanced my Jewish life experience in New Orleans. I know he will be sorely missed by so many, including me.

My sincere condolences to his wife, Madilyn and to his entire family. May his memory be a blessing.

Teri Gross

Loretta Riley

January 2, 2023

Mr. Alvin Was a loving man he always had a smile on his face on behalf of Peristyle Residents we send our Condolences to His lovely wife and family he will be missed I enjoyed taking with him. I was Blessed to receive one of his books

Eileen and Dana Wallen

January 2, 2023

sending condolences on the loss of a husband grandfather father and friend to many '
may his memory be a blessing to all that knew and loved him.

laurie berenson maas

January 2, 2023

i am so sorry to hear about Alvin. my prayers are with you and the family. you all were so supportive of my family when we lost our parents. thank you. i have such fond memories of our carpool days. love and hugs to all.

CB Jackson

January 1, 2023

As a graduate of Western Military Academy I can say, with certainty, that this gentleman was a giant in a school filled with giants.

Dana Wetzel

January 1, 2023

My thoughts, prayers, and deepest sympathy to you Mark and your family. Dana Wetzel

Eileen and Dana wallen

December 31, 2022

To the family
We send our deepest condolences and May his memory be a blessing
He will be missed by all that loved and knew him

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