In memoriam: Herman Proler

Herman “Hymie” Proler, the brother Sam, Izzy and Jackie Proler, died Sunday, March 8, in his hometown of Houston. The Proler brothers invented the automobile shredder and coined the term “Prolerized” for shredded steel.

According to his obituary that was published in the Houston Chronicle, Herman Proler entered the world Dec. 5, 1927, the eighth of nine children born to Ben and Rose Proler, Jewish immigrants from Lithuania.

At a very young age, he began working in the family business, City Junk and Supply, the precursor to Proler Steel Co. and eventually Proler International Corp. He enjoyed assembling and building things, which he channeled into the construction and operation of scrap shredding and processing facilities for Proler Steel and its partners around the country.

In 1985 after his bother Izzy died, he became president of Proler International and then later chairman of the board. The company was sold to Schnitzer Steel Industries in 1996.

His contributions to the scrap metal recycling industry were recognized by the Washington-based Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI) with a special award “in appreciation for outstanding achievement and contributions to the recycling industry.”

He was deeply committed to Houston’s Jewish Community, according to his obituary, and contributed to it throughout his life, for which he received the American Jewish Committee's Max H. Nathan Human Relations Award.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his eight siblings, Sarah, Sammy, Izzie, Ethyl, Robert, Bill, Ruby and Jackie; his wife, Irma Rose; and former wife, Elaine.

Proler is survived by his son, Lawrence Proler, who is married to Nancy; his daughter, Rose Proler, and her partner, Jack Cohen; his grandchildren, Michelle Almog, Natalie Ledeen and her husband, Daniel, and Lindsay Powers and her husband, John; his greatgrandchildren, Elie Ledeen, Marlowe Powers and Henry Powers; his loving partner for many years, Suzanne Levin, and her children, Judy Levin and Jennifer Levin; his sister-in-law, Freda Proler; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Visitation took place Tuesday, March 10, at Geo. H. Lewis & Sons in Houston.

A memorial service is planned for Wednesday, March 11, at 11:30 a.m. in the sanctuary of Congregation Beth Israel, 5600 North Braeswood Blvd., Houston.

In lieu of customary remembrances, memorial contributions can be directed to Congregation Beth Israel Temple Fund, 5600 North Braeswood Blvd., Houston, TX 77096; National Jewish Health, 1400 Jackson St., Denver, CO 80206; M.D. Anderson Cancer Center; Attn.: Development Office, P.O. Box 4486, Houston, TX 77210; Texas Heart Institute, 6770 Bertner Ave., Houston, TX 77030; or Seven Acres Senior Care, 6200 North Braeswood Blvd., Houston, TX 77074.

Memories and condolences can be shared at https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/houston-tx/herman-proler-9078600.