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Richard Silverman Obituary
January 12, 1942 - May 26, 2025
Cantor Richard B. Silverman, 83, of Trumbull, died May 26, at home, in the presence of his wife. Born on January 12, 1942, in Los Angeles, to Cantor Saul and Mollie Silverman. He was the youngest of five siblings: Margie, Ina, Alan and Rinah. Richard's greatest pride and joy was his family. He married his bride, Batya, on August 22, 1964. They went on to have two children together: Sarit and Elan.
Cantor Silverman holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree from California State University in Northridge, CA, a Bachelor of Sacred Music degree from the Hebrew Union College and a Master's Degree in Clinical Psychology from John F. Kennedy University in Orinda, CA. Cantor Silverman has a Certificate in Chemical Dependence and Spiritual Counseling also from the Hebrew Union College. Cantor Silverman received his Honorary Doctorate in Music from the Hebrew Union College on March 14, 2000. Cantor Silverman served as Cantor at Stephen S. Wise Temple in Los Angeles from 1968-1976 and at Temple Isaiah of Lafayette, CA, from 1976-1988 before moving cross-country to settle at Temple Israel in Westport, CT, until his retirement in 2012. He remained on Cantor Emeritus and continued to be involved until his passing. He took great pride in his bar and bat mitzvah students and performing all life cycle events. He is a well-known composer in the Jewish community and has written over 200 songs. Many of his melodies, including Etz Chayim – Tree of Life and his Mi Chamocha are sung throughout the world in synagogues and Jewish camps.
In his retirement, Richard devoted all his love to his family and friends. He enjoyed watching his favorite sports teams and reading many books. He is survived by his wife, Batya, daughter, Sarit, son, Elan (Heather), and grandkids, Sarah, Jacob and Emilie, sister-in-law, Marcia, and many nieces, nephews, and everyone his kind, gentle soul enriched.
Funeral services will take place at Temple Israel, 14 Coleytown Road, Westport, Connecticut, on Tuesday, June 3, at 11:00 am. Burial will follow at Temple Israel Cemetery, 225 Richards Ave., Norwalk, Connecticut. The family will host Shiva at River Valley Retirement Community, 101 Oakview Drive, in Trumbull, on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. To leave condolences online and find Shiva details, please visit www.greensfuneralhome.com .
In lieu of flowers, please donate to a charity close to Richard's heart: Mazon.org, stjude.org, or specialolympics.org .
Memories and Condolences
for Richard Silverman
Sponsored by Abraham L. Green & Son Funeral Home.
9 Entries
Brett J. Denels
June 3, 2025
I remember Carton Silverman since he help me get through my Bar Mitzvah when I was 13 yrs old at Temple Isaiah in Lafayette, CA. He would record all my blessing in Hebrew from all the Torah portions and Half Torah portions I had to remember. and everything I had to remember on a cassette tape that he made for me. I appreciate everything that he did for me. And for closing looking back I remember all the fun songs because play on his guitar at our temple that I grew up at. Thank you for everything and we will miss you dearly. Our hearts are with you and your family.
Jim Denels
June 1, 2025
I was among one the early adult bar/bat mitzvah classes the Richard taught at Temple Isiah of Lafayette. What a joy that class was. Richard's sense of humor, his warmth provided us with an experience we will never forget.
Liz and Bob
May 29, 2025
Many warm memories of our friend Richard. He was a good friend a wonderful Cantor and teacher. Won´t forget the individual songs he composed for each Bar or bat Mitzvah child and for everything from weddings to funerals. Most of all we will remember his compassion and kindness. May his memory be for a blessin
Sue Thornton
May 28, 2025
My sincere condolences on the loss of your husband and dad. He wrote wonderful music that will live on. May his memory be a blessing .
Sue and Jim Thornton
Ron Loeser
May 28, 2025
Cantor Richard Silverman was one of a kind
I was so lucky to be his friend. The man was my mentor. He taught me how to officiate Bar annd Bat Mitzvahs alongside of him, of course.
May his memory be a blessing to last forever.
Bette & Mel spokane
May 28, 2025
Will always remember Richard singing at my daughter´s wedding, he was a loving, husband , father and grandfather and will be missed by all.
the spokanes
Jeff S
May 28, 2025
Cantor Silverman was one of the kindest human beings that I have ever known... His voice and presence was so strong and beautiful and his heart was always filled with pride and love for his friends, family and congregation. He has always been someone that I have looked up to and made me smile, particularly during my formative years leading up to my Bar Mitzvah.
According to the song he sang on that special day in 1998, I helped create a meaningful change in his appearance... He sang that he "never thought we´d make it to this day... when we first began working together my hair was dark, but now it´s very gray!"
I think though that Cantor Silverman could best be described by one of the many wonderful prayers and songs he contributed to our community: Etz Chayim... "Cantor was a tree of life (and comfort and inspiration) to those who held him dear and he made all of his congregants hap-py. His ways were ways of pleasantness and and all his paths were peace!"
Wishing you shalom, dear friend. For so many of us, I know that your memory will always be a blessing
Annemarie Kearney
May 28, 2025
I will forever miss you and the way you accepted me as your daughter after my parents passed.
The fondest memories of you asking where my shoes were when I was young and never wore them. Our conversation about religion and the last movie we watched together (the source code). I will remember you forever. I appreciate the love you gave me and your hugs.
My condolences go out Bayta, Sarit, Elan, Heather, Sarah, Jake and Emi. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Charles Hirsch
May 28, 2025
Richard has been a close family friend and father figure in my life since 1976. He was part of my life at many important moments, including my Bar Mitzvah, helping support my family at the loss of my sister, coming out of retirement to be a part of both my daughter's Bat Mitzvah and my son's Bar Mitzvah. Most recently, we were blessed to have him travel down to Georgia to officiate my wedding last year. Turned out to be such a blessing and an honor for us as well. I will miss him dearly. All my thoughts and love to Batya, Elan, Heather, Sarit, Sarah, Jake and Emilie.
Showing 1 - 9 of 9 results
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Memorial Events
for Richard Silverman
Jun
3
Funeral service
11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Temple Israel
14 Coleytown Rd, Westport, CT 06880
Jun
3
Burial
12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Temple Israel Cemetery
225 Richards Avenue, Norwalk, CT 06850
Jun
3
Shiva
2:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
River Valley Retirement Community
101 Oakview Dr, Trumbull, CT 06611
Jun
4
Shiva
6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
River Valley Retirement Community
101 Oakview Dr, Trumbull, CT 06611
Jun
5
Shiva
6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
River Valley Retirement Community
101 Oakview Dr, Trumbull, CT 06611
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