Edwin Silverman Obituary

Edwin Silverman changed my life and my career trajectory. In 1996, I was a recent graduate from Univ of Michigan and new arrival to Chicago. I was working for a large advertising agency, but as a first generation immigrant, my heart was seeking different work - human rights (specifically refugee and immigrant rights) work. A friend of a friend shared Ed's contact information with me, and when I called him, he met me for coffee the next week. We shared several coffees and lunches, where he shared information about local meetings and opportunities to engage local organizations serving refugees. A few years later, I quit my job to pursue my passion and went to law school in Madison, WI. All contact with the outside world paused for a couple of years, until one summer I found myself in his Chicago office sharing my goals as a future attorney. He immediately picked up the phone and called Mary Meg McCarthy at NIJC (MIHRC at the time), and that is how I received my first internship! Later, it was a a full-time job as an attorney, that led to a 15+ year career in immigrant justice and human rights. The crazy thing: all those early years before law school, I had NO idea what Ed's title was or how immensely important he was to the state and the field. I vaguely knew he worked for the IHDS assisting refugees in some capacity. He rarely talked about himself and instead asked a lot of questions. I couldn't believe he took time out of his busy schedule to provide mentorship and friendship to someone he barely knew! After that, I would send occasional cards and emails over the years to keep him updated on professional achievements and milestones. I always expressed my gratitude for his mentorship and friendship. May his memory be a blessing!

Well remembered and never forgotten. May his memory be for a blessing.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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