Bernie Silverman

Bernie Silverman died Saturday, September 9.

He always told his family, "Life is a celebration," and that we should live each day to its fullness and do good – and he did. His causes were social justice.

Bernie’s funeral was Monday, September 11, at Central Synagogue, and it was truly a celebration (which he would have loved). His friend of more than forty years, fellow Rivercross resident Roy Eaton, besides playing Scott Joplin and the Meditative Chopin, truly thought that Bernie’s theme was I’m Always Chasing Rainbows." Gloria Waldman sang My Man. He was sent off with Benny Goodman’s Sing, Sing, Sing.

Bernie and his family have lived on Roosevelt Island since 1977. And as was usual for him, he became involved – a founding member of Toastmasters, an avid supporter of The Main Street Theatre, 28 years of mid-summer poetry readings, eleven years of Chavarah, nine years of winter musicals, a member of the Residents Association Common Council, and, of course, always ready with a big smile and hello for everyone he met.

Professionally, he would say, "I’m a woodworker." Actually, he had a successful woodworking factory crafting furniture for the White House and other notable places, and maintained numerous showrooms across the country.

He was very active in Jewish causes and a member of many boards, such as The World Union of Progressive Judaism, Arza, the National Federation of Temple Brotherhoods, and chair for B’nai B’rith Metro North Center for Jewish Identity. For 27 years, he was the chair of the Free College Students High Holy Day Services, Founder of the Jethro Committee to honor the legal profession – and a list that could go on and on.

His passion and energy never abated.

"Our eclectic globetrotter now travels yet another path, one which we all will surely follow."