Sheldon Silber

Sheldon Silber was born and raised in Queens, where he spent his early years surrounded by family and lifelong friends.

As a young man, he attended Yeshiva and then went on to Queens College before attending NYU, where he graduated with a Master’s Degree in Business Administration. He built a successful career in real estate, first in New York City and later expanding his work to California when he moved there in 1982. Though he made a home on the West Coast, he remained deeply connected to the East Coast, always making it a priority to visit and stay close to the people he loved.

Sheldon was a man of immense intelligence, humility, and talent. His laughter was priceless, his wit sharp, and his sense of humor wickedly entertaining. He had a deep love for life and a passion for the things that brought him joy—music, theater, musicals, parties, piano bars, dancing, comedy, traveling, exploring different cultures, and adventure. He loved great food, especially lobster, and an undeniable appreciation for all things beautiful. But above all, he cherished his friendships, which lasted a lifetime. To know Sheldon was to be part of his extended family, and he always made time for those he cared about.

Sheldon was the definition of a warrior, facing challenges that few could imagine. Born with cystic fibrosis, he was cared for with unwavering devotion by his mother, Lucille, who performed chest percussive therapy on him three times a day, every day, to help him battle the disease. Later in life, as a devoted son, he made sure she was cared for in return, ensuring she lived with him with around-the-clock care.

He defied every expectation, surviving a heart and lung transplant 35 years ago—a miracle of modern medicine and his own resilience. In the years that followed, he endured a kidney and pancreas transplant, countless hospital stays, and procedures that would have broken most people. But Sheldon never complained. Not once. He understood, perhaps better than anyone, that life was a gift. He treasured every moment and inspired everyone around him to do the same.

He was the strongest person you can have ever known. No matter what he was going through, his spirit remained unshaken. His light never dimmed, his laughter never faded, and he continued to remind us all how precious life is. He found joy in the smallest things, and through his courage, he gave us strength.

Sheldon’s friendships and family were his greatest treasures. He had dear friends on both coasts—David and Lisa Evans, Anne Passer, Roberto Gonzalez, Nicky and Amy DiFrisco, Robin and Ben Dishman, Stacey Abrahms Sherick & Robert Sherick, Dr. Eric Goodrich also a survivor of cystic fibrosis, and so many others whose lives he touched. He is survived by his loving sisters, Michelle and Gail, his niece Debbie and her husband Josh, his nephew Michael and his wife Marsha, and his great-nephew Caleb.

Sheldon’s memory is a blessing to us all. His strength, kindness, and love will live on in our hearts, reminding us to embrace life the way he did—with gratitude, laughter, and an open heart.

His memory is and will truly be a blessing to us all.

Rabbi Shlomo Segal will officiate a funeral service for Sheldon will be held Friday, February 14, 2025 from 9:30 AM to 10:15 AM at Parkside Memorial Chapels, 114-03 Queens Blvd, Forest Hills, NY 11375. Following the funeral service will be a committal service from 11:00 AM to 11:45 AM at Mount Lebanon, 7800 Myrtle Ave, Glendale, NY 11385.