Yale Dorfman, provided by Jarred Dorfman
Yale “Yonnie” Dorfman, founder of ISRI member State Metal Industries (SMI), passed away on Feb. 27, 2023. A longtime fixture of the recycled materials and secondary aluminum smelting industry, Yonnie began his career after serving in the Army in 1959. At that time, he began collecting aluminum oil cans from gas stations that were cooperating with Reynolds aluminum for a pilot program to collect and recycle aluminum containers. He later entered the aluminum smelting side of the business in Camden, New Jersey with State Salvage Co Inc., the precursor to State Metal Industries Inc. With Yonnie’s relentless hard-work and passion for creating something new out of something old and used, SMI became an internationally recognized manufacturer of certified aluminum alloys. Yonnie was truly a people person. He always believed he could teach something to someone and learn something new from someone. He was an active member of the National Association of Recycling Industries (NARI) (an ISRI predecessor association), ISRI, and NADCA , and former president of Philadelphia Metals Association.
Yale’s grandson and current ISRI New Jersey Chapter President Jarred Dorfman said it best, “Yale’s legacy will live on through State Metal Industries and his impact on the industry will not be forgotten.”
Yale’s full obituary can be read online. Donations in his memory may be made to JDRF Greater Delaware Valley Chapter, or the Alzheimer’s Association.
Our thoughts are with the Dorfman family and all employees of State Metal Industries during this time.
