Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Melvyn Silver Obituary
GRANGER - Melvyn A. Silver, 69, died on November 16th after a 14-month valiant battle with pancreatic cancer. Son of the late Hyman and Fern Silver, Silver grew up in Chicago and spent his teen years in Rockford, Illinois. A few years after completing his undergraduate and law degrees at Northwestern University, Silver took a job at Miles Laboratories, Inc., in Elkhart, which later became Bayer Corporation, where he worked for 31 years as the company's senior trademark attorney. Upon his retirement from Bayer, Silver worked with the Chicago law firm of Pattishal, McAuliffe, Newbury, Hilliard & Geraldson LLP. Silver was a past member of the Board of Directors of the International Trademark Association, and he was a former adjunct professor at the University of Notre Dame Law School. Silver's interests were widespread. He was very active with the folk music society throughout his college years, and he continued to play the banjo and guitar throughout his life. Silver was also an avid ham radio operator, getting his license as a young teen. A passionate reader of non-fiction, Silver's interests included science, history and electronics. Silver was a beloved family man. He leaves behind his wife of 41 years, Gayle (Miller) of Granger; three daughters, Rachel (Ken) Browner of Cleveland, Ohio, Cheryl (Aaron Johnson) Silver of Madison, Wisconsin, and Amy (Jason) Judd of Columbus, Ohio; eight loving grandchildren; and his two sisters, Shirley (Stuart) Samson of Huntley, Illinois, and Deborah (Leonard) Vines of St. Louis, Missouri. The funeral will take place at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, November 19, at Sinai Synagogue, 1102 East LaSalle Ave. in South Bend. The burial will follow at Waldheim Cemetery, 1400 Des Plaines Ave., Forest Park, IL. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network - 2141 Rosecrans Ave., Suite 7000, El Segundo, CA 90245; or to the Jewish Federation of St. Joseph Valley - 3202 Shalom Way, South Bend, IN 46615. To send condolences, please visit www.mcgannhay.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Melvyn Silver
Debra Shelinsky Greene
December 15, 2009
I was terribly saddened to learn of Mel's death. Mel was a true gentleman and an incredibly nice person. I knew him as a fellow member of the pharmaceutical trademark bar. Mel was an excellent lawyer and often a voice of reason. I always enjoyed talking to him. He will be truly missed. My heartfelt condolences.
December 7, 2009
Dear Gayle and Family,
I only recently learned of Mel's passing. It was a pleasure to work with him over many years. He was not only a very competent attorney but was also a wonderful person. My thoughts are with you in this time of grief.
Sincerely,
Louis Davidson
Simon Holzer
November 30, 2009
I was very sorry to hear about Mel's loss. I was fortunate to meet him during my stay as an exchange attorney with Pattishal, McAuliffe, Newbury, Hilliard & Geraldson LLP. Mel and I had our offices wall to wall. Mel, his family and colleagues are in my thoughts an prayers.
Carol Alberti
November 24, 2009
I am so very sad to have lost a good friend and mentor, but so grateful to have been honored to work with Mel at Miles/Bayer.
Mel made work fun and had a joyous view of life and its absurdities.
This world is much smaller now without Mel's grin and twinkling eyes as he told one of his many jokes and stories.
My love to Gayle, their daughters and all the grandchildren on whom Mel doted. You, more than anything else, made Mel the happy man he was.
Lovingly, Carol Alberti
Betty Signer
November 20, 2009
At a time of pain, may there be comfort.
At a time of sorrow, may there be solace.
At a time of grief, may there be joy.
At a time of silence, may there be words.
When you seek comfort and strength in silence, may words and memories stir you to calm.
Written by Michael Signer ( January 1986)
Gayle, my heartfelt thoughts are with you and your family.
Dolores Hanna
November 19, 2009
Gayle, my thoughts are with you and your family. Mel was a good friend-- so much fun--and so proud of his wife and daughters. And, of course,a most competent trademark lawyer. I know that you must have wonderful memories of your special life together.
Your friend, Dolores Hanna
Cheryl Suski
November 19, 2009
Gayle,
Although I didn't get to know and meet your family sooner, the time I was there convinced me that you are a very strong family and will always be there for one another. It was an honor to experience this and to be allowed into your home to care for Mel, the short time I did. My prayers and thoughts are with you in your sorrow, but just know that Mel is listening to some fantastic folk musicians and remember "Bring them home".
Caring,
~Cheryl
George Di Domizio
November 19, 2009
I was fortunate to have had a number of conversations with Mel about pharmaceutical trademark matters, most of them involving the role of FDA. He was a great teacher and so generous with his time and talent. George Di Domizio (Green Lane, PA)
George Hajek
November 18, 2009
Hi Cheryl,
Very sad to hear about your Dad's passing. If it's true that the daughter is a reflectiion of the Father, he must have been a terrific guy.
Andrea Kropf
November 18, 2009
I remember Mel very much from all the visits to Indiana. He was was of the nicest, kindest people I've ever met and I know he'll be missed dearly.
Bill Finkelstein
November 18, 2009
I really only knew Mel professionally as a fellow trademark attorney but he was a real credit to our bar and profession: an outstanding counselor who had a unique ability to balance legal and business issues with his own brand of humility and humanity. We will miss him.
Elayna Waxman-Rathmann
November 18, 2009
Gayle, Rachel, Cheryl, Amy and family:
May you and your family be comforted among all other mourners of Zion and Jerusalem. B'Shalom.
Michael Zemel
November 18, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Judy Rosenblum
November 18, 2009
Gayle, Milt and I send our condolences to you and your family. Mel was a good friend to us.
Fran and Leon Jagla
November 18, 2009
Mel was one of the kindest and most caring individual that we have ever met. His patience, his sense of humor, his grace under pressure and his love of his family and friends are things that we will always remember, cherish and try to emulate. The world is a sadder place today.
Mary Lavins
November 18, 2009
Gayle, one of the things I'll always remember about Mel is his dedication to his family. It carried over into his professional life by his support and understanding for working mothers, like myself. Family came first to him and that is somewhat rare in this day and age. He adored and respected you and the girls and it was obvious when he spoke of you. You were loved deeply. He was a wonderful man and will be truly missed by all whose lives he touched. God bless you and yours. You are in my thoughts and prayers. With sincere sympathy.
Tina Rieman
November 18, 2009
My thoughts, prayers, and love to your entire family as you mourn the loss of a wonderful man. May peace and comfort be yours. Tina Rieman (Cheryl's friend from 7th grade)
November 18, 2009
Lee Hoffman & Family send our sincere condolences. We have nothing but fond memories of our times together. Mel will be missed very much.
Michael Rollberg
November 18, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort. May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
November 18, 2009
Dear Gayle and Family:
It is with a heavy heart that I write this note. Mel was a truly wonderful and caring person. I hardly ever saw him without a smile. He loved life. It is so sad that it was taken from him so early.
His memory will remain with us,
Andy Klawitter
Showing 1 - 20 of 20 results
Make a Donation
in Melvyn Silver's name
Memorial Events
for Melvyn Silver
How to support Melvyn's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Melvyn Silver's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
