Kenneth William Silver

The Furniture Man, Kenneth Silver, has left the building to join others of good hearts and playful spirits. He passed away on September 30, 2017. Born in Cleveland, Ohio on May 13, 1941, Kenny quickly became the light of his family’s life. His golden hair delighted mother Jeaunette, who kept a lock of shining curls close to her until her life on this earth similarly ended. His vivacious personality and sparkling joie de vivre won the hearts of those who were fortunate to meet him. Kenny’s quick wit and irreverent sense of humor brightened up the room. His father, Harry, adored this charming little boy who was as gregarious and outgoing as he was. Big brother, Bob, recalls with glee sledding the weekend away with his little bro at Cain Park. To know Kenny was to love him. Kenny was fond of telling people, “We grew up happy.”

But what about Var the Star? How did he earn this nickname? In Accounting class Kenny was seeking guidance from a friend while taking a test. Mr. Price caught him taking a peek on Murray Lensen’s paper. Mr. Price said, “Mr. Sil’VAR, you’re cheating on Mr. Lensen’s paper.” Murray turned to Ken and said, “Var the Star.” The name stuck, given how brightly Kenny shone throughout his life.

We would like to tell you some stories from his teenage years but as his buddy Kenny Sacks admitted, “Most of them can’t be repeated!” Those of you who know him recall the antics at Hathaway Brown or Cleveland Heights High, as you were there with him similarly wreaking havoc.

Ken established The Furniture Man in November of 1973, meeting the furnishing needs of Neapolitans until 2000. Do you know who in 1975 conceived of the Condo Package? Yes, it was Ken Silver who brought to Naples high quality Florida furniture at the best possible prices. Fully furnished, 2 bedroom homes at $2995 busted the business wide open, until the big box giants came in and crushed the individual owners of furniture stores. His vision and creativity changed the way we in SW Florida furnished our homes, infusing a tropical ambiance that snowbirds found irresistible.

Ken’s golfing career highlights include 10 golf club championships. Kenny achieved 7 of these at Windstar Country Club, only to be beaten by Larry Bird in the 8th year. As Kenny tells it, Larry Bird said, “This was the best victory of my life.” Mind you, this was after Larry had won at least one of 3 NBA championship games. Ken won 3 other club championships at Pelican Marsh Country Club, one with the lowest ever before recorded at 67.

Kenny wistfully recalled how Windstar projected out into Naples Bay. One day Bernard Johnson offered Ken the tip of the island for $250,000, asserting, “Buy this lot now and you’ll make millions.” Bernard was absolutely correct, leaving Kenny with this one big real estate regret that he did not act on his sage advice.

Ken leaves behind his brother Bob and sister-in-law Deb, son Pierre and his wife Tara and their children Ethan and Dylan, daughter Josiane and her husband Zachary Robinson and their children Jackson and Weston, nephew David and his fiancée Tamsyn Pyper, niece Rachel and her husband Jason File and their newborn daughter Zoey, devoted assistants Stephanie and Laura, “little brother” Tristen, along with a vast array of friends. Preceding him in death are beloved parents Harry and Jeaunette.

A celebration of Kenny’s life will be held on Saturday, October 7, 2017 at 10:00 AM, Hodges Funeral Home at Naples Memorial Gardens, 525 111th Ave N, Naples, FL. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to De LaSalle Academy, Fort Myers, or Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast, Naples. Condolences may be left online at www.HodgesNaplesMG.com.