Harry Aaron Zuber

Born in Houston, Texas, Harry attended San Jacinto High School and went on to graduate from The Wharton School at The University of Pennsylvania. Following graduation, Harry spent two years as a Navy Supply Officer in Norfolk, Virginia.

It was at the Officers Club in Athens, Georgia where he met his beautiful wife, Erla Gortatowsky, who was in school at the University of Georgia. Harry coined the endearing nickname Erla B in tribute to his time spent on the Navy ship USS Earle B Hall. From that day forward, she was known as Erla B. They married in 1957 and returned to Houston where they built their life together.

At the age of 24, Harry began his remarkable career at Underwood, Neuhaus & Company where he would become head of Corporate Finance participating in many Initial Public Offerings. After almost 6 decades in the business, he retired from Stephens, Inc. in 2015. Always devoted to his community, Harry served as President of the Board of Trustees at The Chinquapin Preparatory School which provides quality education to motivated students from under-resourced communities. During his tenure, he delivered the commencement speech to the first ever graduating class. In the 1970’s, Harry served as President of the Board of Trustees for Alexander Jewish Family Service. During his term, the agency helped settle the first group of immigrants from the former Soviet Union; articulated its position to not only serve the Jewish community but also people of all faiths and helped start Meals on Wheels which is now run by the Jewish Community Center. While at Alexander JFS, Harry was honored with an appointment to the Board of Overseers of the Hebrew Union College in Cincinnati, Ohio. Harry also served on the Board of Congregation Beth Israel and gave generously of his time as Vice President and Treasurer. Lastly, Harry was President of the Child Guidance Center of Houston founded by Ima Hogg in 1929 which served children with mental health disorders in the Houston and Harris County area.

Harry was an avid collector of black and white photography. He loved bird hunting, trips to New England and Houston Oilers games with his two daughters. He took great pleasure in spending time with his grandchildren. Harry was loved and respected, a pillar in his family, community and in his business. He was always generous sharing his time and his wisdom.

Harry is predeceased by his parents, Abe and Stella Zuber, his brother Bert Zuber and his sister Noonie Schmidt. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife Erla Zuber, his daughters Jan Miller and husband Arnie and Lynn Manning and husband Chuck as well as his grandchildren Jeremy Rathjen and wife Kate, Beau Rathjen and wife Erica, Marshall Miller, Carolina Manning, Grace Manning, Anna Marie Manning and Isabel Manning as well as two great granddaughters Harriet Rathjen and Reese Rathjen.

The family would like to thank Jose Ramirez, Francisco Saavedra, Juan Acosta, Nelson Rodriguez, Ernesto Cuellar, Frank Gutierrez, Neftali Rojas, Nino Lannello, John Mays and Yolanda Hernandez for their exceptional care and kindness throughout the last 12 years. Also, many thanks to Dr. John Eichelberger, Dr. Tejal Shah, Dr. Russell Radoff, Dr. William Ondo and Dr. Ranjit Chacko.

A memorial service honoring Harry’s life is to be conducted at one o’clock in the afternoon on Sunday, the 23rd of March, in the sanctuary of Congregation Beth Israel, 5600 North Braeswood Boulevard in Houston, where Senior Associate Rabbi, Adrienne P. Scott and Cantor Kenneth Feibush are to officiate.

Immediately following all are invited to greet the family during a Meal of Condolence in the adjacent Wolff-Toomim Hall.

Prior to the service, the family will have gathered for a private interment at Congregation Beth Israel Memorial Garden in Houston.

In lieu of customary remembrances, contributions in memory of Harry Zuber may be directed to Houston Area Parkinson Society, 2700 Southwest Fwy, Suite 300, Houston, Texas 77098 or by visiting haps.org; Alexander Jewish Family Service, 4131 S. Braeswood Blvd, Houston, TX 77025 or visiting alexanderjfs.org; The Chinquapin Prep School, 2615 E. Wallisville Rd., Highlands, TX 77562 or by visiting chinquapin.org ; or Congregation Beth Israel, 5600 North Braeswood Blvd, Houston, TX, 77096 or by visiting beth-israel.org.

We’ll always be JUST WILD ABOUT HARRY!