Paul A. Silver

Paul A. Silver, a highly respected attorney and a trusted advisor to generations of Rhode Islanders, passed away unexpectedly on July 5, 2025, at the age of 75. A partner at Hinckley Allen for nearly five decades, Paul was a nationally recognized expert in estate planning, nonprofit law, and philanthropic advising. He practiced with precision, discretion, and a deep sense of responsibility, always more interested in earning trust than in seeking attention. Behind his quiet demeanor was a characteristic dry sense of humor and unwavering loyalty to his family, clients, colleagues, and community.

Born and raised in Providence, Paul graduated from Moses Brown School, Harvard University, and Boston University Law School. His legal practice focused on trust and estate planning and administration, personal income tax matters, and legal issues affecting individuals and families. He was widely respected for representing both individuals and institutions, including trust departments of major financial institutions and nonprofit organizations across Rhode Island. Beloved by his clients, he was consistently recognized for excellence in his field, including listings in Best Lawyers in America (Lawyer of the Year in 2017), Chambers and Partners (Leading Lawyer for Private Wealth Law), Rhode Island Monthly (Top Lawyer in Estate Planning), and Super Lawyers, Rhode Island. In 2010, he received the Rhode Island Foundation’s Harold B. Soloveitzik Professional Leadership Award, honoring his long standing professional and personal commitment to philanthropy.

Paul was deeply engaged in the civic life of Providence, lending his time and counsel to countless organizations and serving on Boards and committees for the Providence Ronald McDonald House, Camp Ruggles, RI Community Food Bank, Crossroads Rhode Island, Temple Beth-El, the Providence Athenaeum, and Moses Brown School.

Outside of his professional life, Paul was devoted to his family and friends. Paul met his wife, Katherine “Kit” Haspel, on the day they arrived on campus at Harvard, and the two happily spent more than five decades together, enjoying traveling to Martha’s Vineyard, Sanibel Island, and taking cruises - most recently on a family trip celebrating their 50th anniversary with their children and grandchildren. Despite his professional demeanor, Paul was known for his kindness and humor, and as a softie to those closest to him - he never made it through Field of Dreams without tearing up at the end. A proud and adoring grandfather, he frequented his granddaughters’ dance and musical performances, always with flowers in hand. He was a Rhode Islander through and through, with a deep love of fried calamari, New England clam chowder and whole belly clams. He was a quietly talented cook, known for his Thanksgiving chopped liver (a family recipe) and a much-loved take on spaghetti carbonara. When not working or spending time with family, he could be found focused on his favorite hobby: investing — reading analyst reports, watching CNBC, meeting with start-ups, and generally engaging with anyone on the topic of how to responsibly save for retirement and provide for future generations.

He is survived by his wife, Katherine “Kit” Haspel; his sons Andrew (Jenna) and Nathaniel (Christopher Shughrue); two granddaughters, Caroline and Sophie; and his sisters, June Rogul and Susan Silver.

A Funeral Service will be held Wednesday, July 9, 2025 at 1:00 pm at Temple Beth-El, 70 Orchard Avenue, Providence. Burial will follow in Swan Point Cemetery. Shiva will be observed at his son Andrew’s home in Providence on Wednesday, July 9 from 7-9pm and Thursday, July 10 from 2-4pm and 7-9pm. In lieu of flowers, and in the spirit of carrying on Paul’s lifelong commitment to philanthropy, the family suggests donations be made to the Rhode Island Community Food Bank, 200 Niantic Avenue, Providence, RI 02907 or a charity of your choice.