Bernard "Bernie" Silverstein

Mr. Bernard “Bernie” Silverstein, 93, of Augusta, GA passed away peacefully on May 8, 2025 at Augusta Villas. A Graveside service was held Monday, May 12, 2025 at 11 am, at Westover Memorial Park, 2601 Wheeler Road, Augusta, GA 30904 with Rabbi Fischer officiating.

Bernie was born in The Bronx, New York to the late Samuel Silverstein and Molly Kaiser. When Bernie was young, his family lived in Anniston Alabama where his father won his first contract to operate Fort McClellan’s dry cleaning and laundry concessions, a trade he knew nothing about. After World War II, Fort McClellan was deactivated, so Sam moved his family to Los Angeles to be near his siblings. Bernie attended Venice High School and was in the 10th grade in 1948 when his family moved to Augusta. Sam won his second drycleaning contract – this time with Fort Gordon in Augusta. Rather than finish high school, Bernie wanted to work alongside his father Sam in the drycleaning business.

This was the beginning of a lifetime of success and achievements for both Sam and Bernie. They started with one contract at Fort Gordon and then Bernie (and later with the help of his son Louis), created a monopoly in Augusta growing and successfully running Silverstein’s Cleaners as CEO and proud owner for six decades. At the peak, there were 18 retail locations where Bernie employed thousands of Augusta, North Augusta, and Aiken residents. They increased military contracts to include 3 army bases and 4 air force bases. They added a shoe shop, an embroidery business, a sewing plant, and a drapery cleaning business. Bernie secured a contract with both Levi’s and Duckhead to be their first partner to pre-wash, stonewash, and whitewash blue jeans and jackets at the forefront of this trend. Silverstein’s Cleaners was the one and only place in town to take drycleaning, and Bernie would always take the time to say hello to every employee and customer. Customers, and professional golfers in town for the Masters, looked forward to seeing Bernie sitting at his desk in his office at the front of the business. Just as it was a joy to Sam to run the business with Bernie, it was just the same for Bernie to run the business with Louis.

Bernie served in the Army at Camp Gordon from 1952-1954. In 1955, he married Robin Sue Powell in Augusta and they had three children he adored – Lynn, Louis, and Mary. As busy as Bernie was with his business, he was first and foremost a family man. He was the best father anyone could wish for. Family was his priority and what he was most proud of. All three children worked in the dry cleaners as teenagers where he began to instill so many of his values and work ethic. Because Bernie didn’t graduate high school, education was a priority for his children. All three graduated college and Bernie was proud when he was able to send all three of his children to Emory University in the same year. After graduating college, Louis joined Bernie in the family dry cleaning business, and Lynn and Mary continued on for graduate MBA degrees and successful corporate careers.

When Louis and his wife Angela welcomed twin boys, they decided there were no names more fitting and no greater honor then to be named after the first two generations, Samuel and Bernard Silverstein. Bernie was a devoted, loving, and proud grandfather just as he was a devoted, loving and proud father. No matter what else Bernie had going on, family was his priority and he was always available to offer his time, resources, wisdom or advice. Some of his favorite times were taking the family to the beach or family gatherings at home that were filled with love, laughter, lots of good food and his favorite desserts.

Bernie was a one-of-a-kind, extraordinary man. He knew no stranger. He was a leader. He was a respected boss, with several employees working for the cleaners almost 50 years. He was the first to volunteer, even before knowing what he was volunteering for. He always quickly said yes when asked for help. He was kind, generous, smart, dependable, charismatic, social and very outgoing. He was strong in his Jewish faith and a lifelong active member of Adas Yeshuran Synagogue. For hobbies, he loved tennis, golf, boating, the beach and playing cards with his ‘Literary Society”. He was so excited to play the Augusta National golf course once and scored in the 80’s. He loved his frequent doubles tennis games and had a fun, competitive spirit. He loved his annual birthday lunches given by his close friends at the Country Club. When a new person came to Augusta, he welcomed them with open arms. Somehow Bernie made every person he came across feel welcome. Somehow each friend felt important. Somehow he made time for everybody and everything. All of this came natural for Bernie. It’s just who he was. His Christmas gift for many years was giving roasted and salted Georgia pecans. When making up the gift list, he had at least 200 names for his “closest friends and business associates”. He never wanted anyone to feel left out. It was a joy to be invited and attend his annual Masters parties. Even at the assisted living from the age of 90-93 with Alzheimers, the employees said he was the life of the party and such a kind, sweet man. There will be a void at the center table in the dining room.

Bernie credited his father for setting an example to always give back to the community. Bernie used his time, talents, resources and energies to help the Augusta community grow and thrive. Augusta would not be the same without the lifetime support and enormous contributions of Bernie Silverstein. He served on many religious, community, civic, medical, business, education and youth organizations and was the recipient of many awards. Bernie was a pillar of the Augusta community, and was an inspiration to so many.

Bernie was the recipient of Boy Scouts Highest Honor, The Silver Beaver Award; Rotary Club’s Prestigious Paul Harris Fellow Award; The Augusta Bar Association Liberty Bell Award; St Joseph’s Hospital Good Samaritan Award; and Augusta State University’s Distinguished Service Award for Non-Alumnus. In the Rotary Club, Bernie received the John Fares award twice and was a Will Watt Fellow.

Bernie was the Past President of Adas Yeshurun Synagogue, The Rotary Club of Augusta, University Healthcare Foundation, Georgia-Carolina Council Boy Scouts of America, and Boys Club of Augusta. He was Vice Chairman of University Hospital Authority, Augusta State University Trustees, Augusta Regional Airport, and was Chairman of Board of Trustees First Union Bank of Augusta.

Bernie strongly supported education, serving as First Chairman School of Business at Augusta State University, Member of President’s Advisory Council at Medical College of Georgia, and was a Paine College Trustee. He was a Member of Search Committees for President, Augusta State University and both Dean and President, Medical College of Georgia. He also served on Medical College of Georgia’s School of Admissions.

Additionally, Bernie was active with The Augusta Aviation Commission, American Cancer Society, Augusta Chamber of Commerce, Easter Seal of Georgia Society, American Red Cross, CSRA Counseling and Family Services, Augusta Human Relations Commission, United Services Organization (USO), Augusta Housing Authority, Richmond County Historical Society, Augusta-Richmond County Museum, The National Science Center, Abused Children (Site Selection Chairman), Junior Achievement, Augusta Jewish Federation Community Relations Council, and Georgia Drycleaners Association.

Bernie made a difference in the lives of thousands. Bernie made a difference in Augusta, Georgia. May his memories and legacy live on, and may he rest in peace after a life well lived.

Bernie is survived by his daughter, Mary Silverstein (Sarasota, FL); grandsons, Bernie Silverstein (Atlanta, GA) and Sam Silverstein (Air Force). Bernie is preceded in death by his wife, Robin Silverstein; his daughter, Lynn Silverstein Jackson; son, Louis Silverstein; and brothers, Marty Silverstein and Harry Silverstein.

Contributions in Bernie's memory may be made to Adas Yeshurun Synagogue, 935 Johns Road, Augusta, GA 30904 or The Alzheimer’s Association (https://www.alz.org).