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Edwin Silverman Obituary

Silverman, Dr. Edwin Barry Dr. Edwin Barry Silverman, 79 (September 24, 1937 September 13, 2017) passed away Wednesday surrounded by his family. Edwin, son of Albert and Lillian grew up in the South Shore neighborhood of Chicago. He received a B.S. in engineering from Purdue University and earned a Doctorate in Romantic Literature from Northwestern University. He wed the late Marjorie nee Patros, Silverman in 1962 with whom he enjoyed 53 years of marriage and two children, Alexei and Maria. Edwin became a professor of literature at Boston University. He then went on to found the Bureau of Refugee and Immigrant Services for the State of Illinois and he served as Bureau Chief for 38 years, retiring in 2014. He was one of the founders of SCORR, a conference of State Coordinators of refugee resettlement and he helped pen the Federal Refugee Act of 1980. As the child of refugees himself, he went on to give refuge to hundreds of thousands of immigrants from all over the world. He was a lover of games and crosswords, a lifelong Democrat, a singer of old standards, a builder of furniture, an avid traveler and an incredible writer. He is remembered by his son, Alexei; daughter, Maria; son-in- law, Bill; and grandson, Nathaniel; as well as many nieces and nephews, cousins, Lincoln Park neighbors and members of the refugee resettlement community. A service will be held 12:00 noon on Friday, September 15, 2017 at Chicago Jewish Funerals, 8851 Skokie Blvd., Skokie, IL. Interment 1:30 p.m. at Westlawn Cemetery, 7801 W. Montrose Ave., Norridge, IL. In lieu of flowers, donations in Edwin's name may be made to the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago, Attention: Refugee Services, 30 South Wells Street, Chicago, IL 60606. Arrangements by Chicago Jewish Funerals Skokie Chapel, 847.229.8822, www.cjfinfo.com.



Published by Chicago Sun-Times on Sep. 15, 2017.
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Well remembered and never forgotten. May his memory be for a blessing.

ADELA WEINSTEIN

Work

September 9, 2022

Remembering Ed Silverman (z"l) today, someone whom I respected and admired throughout the many years I knew him in my capacity as education consultant with the Illinois State Board of Education. His tremendous contribution to the provision of needed services for refugee students and families cannot ever be forgotten. May his name be for a blessing.

ADELA WEINSTEIN

Work

September 9, 2021

Condolences to the Silverman family. I worked with Ed for many years and always admired his passion for the work he did with IDHS. He truly believed in what he did. His primary focus was ensuring that people received the services and help needed to successfully transition to their lives in America. He will be missed but that passion will live on through many others.

Kathryn Nelson

Coworker

September 22, 2017

Ed made our lives fuller just by being our friend. He knew when to be serious and when to have fun. His wisdom and kindness will never be forgotten nor will his beautiful piano playing.

Jule Ward

Friend

September 21, 2017

Our condolences to the Silverman family. Ed was a great friend and trusted adviser to the Chicago Commission on Human Relations for many years. He served as the chair of our Immigrant and Refugee Advisory Council, and member of our Board of Commissioners. He opened up our eyes to the plight of immigrants and refugees in our city, and help us see the face of those in need so we could see them as people and not statistics. Personally, I enjoyed his wit, and his dry, but wonderful sense of humor. He also really new how to wear a hat! We will miss him greatly. Our prayers go out to you.

Kenneth Gunn

Friend

September 18, 2017

Such a great man who served to give those displaced a home and a future. May his soul rest in peace. #voiceofdiapora

Hanna Kebbede

September 16, 2017

My deepest condolences. Ed was a very important person in my life, both professionally and personally. I don't know anyone else who would understand, know so much and care about refugees and immigrants from all over the world, and who worked so hard to give us help, make us feel welcomed in America. He was a great friend to immigrants from Poland. Respectfully and with sadness - Joanna Borowiec

September 15, 2017

Mur heartfelt condolences to Ed's family. I first met Ed when he introduced the Bureau of Refugee Services. He was brilliant, generous, and very dedicated to those he perceived to be in need. A gentle person who earned our admiration and respect. He will be sorely missed by many. May his memory be for a blessing.

Adela Weinstein

September 15, 2017

My deepest condolences. I worked with Ed many years ago on immigration issues. May he rest in peace. Sylvia Puente

Sylvia Puente

September 15, 2017

My deepest sympathy on Ed's passing. He and I had a great deal of contact over the 29 years I worked with immigrants and refugees at Senn High School. Ed provided assistance to thousands of students and their families. Their happiness and success in the U.S. is a part of his legacy.

Lucy

September 15, 2017

God Bless you Dr. Silverman for making so many better people by your example. You have saved thousands of people from suffering and given them tools to build a new life. I feel blessed to have known you and had the pleasure of working for you. Rest In Peace

Carolyn Broughton

September 15, 2017

May the God of all comfort be a source of refuge and strength for the entire family during this difficult time." -

September 15, 2017

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Memorial Events
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Sep

15

Service

12:00 p.m.

Chicago Jewish Funerals

8851 Skokie Boulevard, Skokie, IL 60077-2224

Sep

15

Interment

1:30 p.m.

Westlawn Cemetery

7801 W. Montrose Ave., Norridge, IL

Funeral services provided by:

Chicago Jewish Funerals

8851 Skokie Boulevard, Skokie, IL 60077-2224

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