Alvin Samuels

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