Robert Silverman

Robert Silverman, who for 50 years headed Robert Silverman Inc. Direct Mail Advertising, died Jan. 28 at age 90. A prominent figure in Cleveland's printing and advertising circles, Mr. Silverman was also very active in the city's Jewish community, and was an avid bridge player and faithful (if long-suffering) fan of the Indians, Browns and Cavaliers. Born one of 12 children on a farm in Geneva, Ohio, Mr. Silverman graduated from Cleveland's Glenville High School before serving in the Navy as a  Quartermaster 2/C during World War II. In 1946, Mr. Silverman married Myrtle Goldberg of Pawtucket, R.I., and that same year started Robert Silverman Inc., a one-man operation with a hand-cranked mimeograph that would eventually grow into a 110-employee operation that covered all aspects of direct mail. He was the founding president of the Northeast Ohio Direct Mail Marketing Association, and served as chairman or president of numerous professional organizations. Mr. Silverman dedicated countless hours and resources to the State of Israel and Jewish causes around the world, and made several trips to Israel as well as to the former Soviet Union, to help “refuseniks” — Jews who weren't permitted to leave the country. He served on the boards of numerous Jewish organizations, including Bellefaire, the Jewish Community Center, Jewish Vocational Services and The Cleveland Jewish News. A lifetime trustee of the Jewish Community Federation, Mr. Silverman spent several years as the organization's vice president, and was a past chairman of the JCF's Welfare Fund Planning Committee, Community Relations Committee, Budget Committee and Israel Task Force. He was a charter member of the defunct B'rith Emeth Congregation, then a member of The Temple (Tifereth Israel). Mr. Silverman is survived by his daughter Sandra Waters (Kevin) and son Jack (Wendy Deason); grandchildren Andy Silverman (Angela Trizza) and Tony Silverman (Jennifer Juergensen); seven great-grandchildren; and brothers Sanford and Sidney (Ally Marks) and sisters Charlotte Silverman and Lil Milder. Contributions may be made to Hospice of the Western Reserve. Services will be held Friday January 31 at 10 AM at the BERKOWITZ-KUMIN-BOOKATZ MEMORIAL CHAPEL 1985 S. Taylor Rd. Cleveland Heights, Oh 44118. Interment Mayfield Cemetery. Family will recieve friends at the LANDERHAVEN, 6111 Landerahven Dr., Mayfield Heights, OH FRIDAY FOLLOWING SERVICES UNTIL 4 PM.