Marvin Silverman

Marvin Silverman passed away peacefully after 5 months of declining health. He is survived by

Paula, his wife of 61 years. He leaves behind his daughter Charna and son-in-law Irwin,

devoted niece Randy, nephews Mark and Bruce and cousins Arthur and Ann Lesser. He was

predeceased by his son Fred (z”l). Many close friends who were dear to his heart also grieve

his loss.

A lifelong learner, educator and world traveler, Marvin took every opportunity to see the world

with family and friends during his 90 years. He loved to explore different lands, cultures and

cuisine. Most of all, he was passionate about documenting his life, loved ones and adventures

through photos. He was active in the Great Neck Photography club for many years and often

shared his journeys with others by presenting slide shows he created and narrated. Throughout

his adult life, Marvin set up a darkroom in the basement of each house he owned so he could

pursue his passion.

A graduate of Stuyvesant High School and Brooklyn College, Marvin taught Social Studies in

the NYC Public Schools before moving on to the job of Assistant Principal.

Marvin had a dry sense of humor and loved to tease others. You would often not know he was

joking, until his telltale sign of twinkling eyes and growing smile revealed the truth. He was an

avid reader of the NYTimes until the very end of his life and read any history book he could

consume. Marvin was a veteran of the US Army and honored to be an American citizen.

Disbelieving and discouraged at the turn of events in democracy over the past six years, he

proudly cast his last vote in November 2021.

It is fitting that Marvin used a travel metaphor to reflect his feelings about moving to an

apartment five years ago, after spending many independent years living in his own home.

Referring to his new location as “the departure lounge” was his way of reluctantly

acknowledging his advancing age. Until the very end, Marvin protested and maintained that he

didn’t enjoy living among “old people”. Despite the increased limitations imposed by age, Marvin

and Paula traveled to Russia, Iceland, Cuba and the Caribbean in recent years before

restricting their travel to more local forays. To the dismay of family, Marvin insisted on driving

throughout his 90th year whenever he had the opportunity. It was one of the skills he felt had

not diminished over the years and while his reflexes remained good, his profound hearing loss

kept his family on edge every time he stepped behind the wheel.

Marvin enjoyed remarkably good health for most of his life and was a natural athlete. He was

exceptionally skilled in his fine motor skills and could often be found working on model airplanes

and fixing things around the house. Even in his final months, he would often be found taking

apart his hearing aides to change the tiny battery.

An appreciation of the natural world remained a constant throughout his life. There were always

National Geographic and Smithsonian Magazines in his study. Marvin and his family spent most

summers and vacations exploring hiking trails, state parks, camping in a tent or trailer and

relishing every experience. Many memories of sitting in the back seat of our station wagon, as

Dad drove across the United States, Mexico and Nova Scotia were cherished by his children.

Marvin became an accomplished cook and baker during the time that his wife went back to

school. His delicious potato kugel was requested and shared during many holiday gatherings

with family and friends. In his last five months, he continued to go out and enjoy the saltiest

food he could find, especially if it was Chinese cuisine, ramen noodles or hotdogs.

After their son’s death, Marvin and Paula looked to find a Jewish community that best met their

spiritual needs and values. They were introduced to the Reconstructionist Synagogue of the

North Shore by friends and immediately found that the congregation and Rabbi Lee Friedlander

met their needs. They formed many close friendships and both became active members;

participating in numerous services, activities, committees and study groups over 40 years.

Marvin often worked on curating and displaying artwork at the synagogue. As avid gardeners,

Marvin and Paula set up and cared for a perennial garden at the synagogue, in memory of their

son and to reflect their love for the congregation.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The Sierra Club or the

Reconstructionist Synagogue of the North Shore. Burial will be private. A celebration of

Marvin’s life will take place at a later date.