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WILLIAM SILK Obituary
WILLIAM E. J. , JR., suddenly on June 10, 2011. Surrounded by his loving family, peacefully entered into eternal rest. Oldest of seven surviving children of the late Anna (nee Borrell) and William E. J. Silk, Sr. Survived by his loving wife and best friend, Eileen (nee White), children Timmy (Lorraine), Tommy (Chris), Billy III (Lynne), Marzy, Shannon Donnelly (Shawn), Kevin (Karen), and Katie. Also his 13 grandchildren around whom his world revolved (Sucka!) Emmy, Derek, Alyssa, Ryan, Allie, Shane, Maeve, Morgan, Sarah, Scotty, Collin, Maddy, and Anna. Also numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins. Our father left a living legacy in his dedication and unconditional love of family, which will always be our gold standard. Coach Bill touched many lives in baseball and hockey, his passion, for over 40 years in Philadelphia and South Jersey. He was a founding member of the Holy Cross Ice Hockey Program in 1990 which led to the establishment of the SJHSIHL in 1992-93, of which he was head coach of the first champions. He not only taught the game, but mentored life skills which were a microcosm of his life.
Bill's 47+ years of marriage continued to blossom, resulting in the best years of his life, which were spent with his family. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and/or The Coach Silk Memorial Hockey Fund, PO Box 249 Medford, NJ 08055
Relatives and friends are invited to the Viewing 6-9 P.M. Tuesday at the BRADLEY FUNERAL HOME, Rt 73 & Evesham Rd., Marlton, NJ. There will also be a Viewing Wednesday 9:45-10:15 A.M. at St. Joan of Arc Church, 100 Willow Bend Rd., Marlton, NJ Followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 A.M. Interment will be private.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for WILLIAM SILK
Paul martin
June 6, 2019
Very nice hard working father & family man , He taught us kids the sport of hockey & lot's of trips to the family house down the shore...
Dale W. Miller
June 28, 2011
The Entire Silk Family,
It has been years since I've seen a lot of you personally, but I just found out this news and sadness has overcome me. I just saw Mare for the first time in years at a mutual friend's wedding and I am really kicking myself not stopping by with my family like she suggested. Regarding your Dad, he wanted what was best for everyone. Your whole family changed my life for the better. In a very low point in my life you all took me in and made one of you all. I remember at a real tough point questioning where I was living, hopping from home to home and your dad sat me down in his dinning room & had a focus talk about my future & my family. It was at that point he pushed me to go to college and make amends with my parents. Though it was leaving Mare, he knew going to school was better for me. I cannot thank him enough. My whole life started to come to focus because I decided to leave for school.
Don't get me wrong, he was a tough sell for me at first with my long hair and fellow freaky friends, but he later said to me that we really opened his mind. With the amount of guidance he gave me, it was mind boggling to me that my friends & I were inspiring him to be a better man. I guess everyone he has ever known were inspiring him and now that I am a father & teacher as well I see exactly what he was going for.
It's all about love & compassion and expressing it everyday. Thank you Mr. Silk. I will never forget you.
Dale
Christine Clark
June 23, 2011
Kevin,
Sorry to hear about your Dad's passing I just heard about it while at the rink in Voorhees. I will certainly miss seeing your dad early in the morning on weekends during the hockey season. He was always so upbeat. I loved chatting with him.
Dan Parks
June 23, 2011
Dear Silk Family,
As in your case, myself and my family never got to meet William. My mother, Debbie, was in the room next to him in Virtua. What a roller coaster ride we both shared. In this most unfortunate time in all of our lives, i wanted to share two thoughts with you that people have shared with me.
One is from the Dean of Students at La Salle University, where i went. She said to me: "Time doesn't heal anything. You are not supposed to 'get over it'. All you can do is try to learn to live with your new reality"
The other was shared with us by a doctor in the hospital (who's father my mom cared for in her office). He said: "it is very easy to see who gave the most love during their lives, because it is given to them in return at this time"
Both of those profound statements have helped us to cope. It was easy to see what type of man your father, husband, grandfather, and friend was from the support and love you all showed during his final days.
I imagine William, and my mother Debbie as great friends already. They will be forever in our hearts and looking over us always.
I wish you all the best. Please contact me at [email protected] if you ever want to talk, reminisce, etc.
My very deepest and sincere condolences,
Dan
Joan and Vince Yezzi
June 20, 2011
Dear Eileen and Family,
We want you to know how impressed we were with the beautiful Funeral Mass you had for Bill.
What a wonderful tribute it was to the celebration of his life!
His love for his family and his family's love for him was expressed overwhelmingly.
We will always remember Bill for his ready smiles and hugs and we will miss seeing him at family parties.
You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Joan and Vince
Adrianne Bishop
June 15, 2011
Dear Silk Family....Your father spoke about you so often... I feel like I know you. He will be sorely missed. I worked with Bill for over 10 years, he was indeed a great guy.
Donna Hutchison DePascale
June 15, 2011
Dear Eileen and Family, I can not express my heart felt sadness and loss for Bill. Even though I am an-ex-sister-in-law I remember the first time we went out on Bill's boat and I told him about whistling for a fish. I did whistle and caught a flounder. He was lost for words which was something that never happened that often. May each of you find comfort within each other and the Lord to give you strength to get the day. My thoughts and prayers are with each of you. Love, Donna
paul martin
June 15, 2011
to the entire silk family our thoughts and prayers are with you from the martin family
Joyce & Dan Doane
June 15, 2011
Eileen & family, We are so sorry to hear of Bill's death. We remember meeting you both at the Crab Trap, with Andrea, Brad and my mother Lill. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Julie Pepi
June 15, 2011
Dear Silk family,
I'm so sorry for your loss and am keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers. I had the great pleasure of being your guest one summer and was so touched by the love you all share for each other. Perhaps no one was more welcoming than Bill. Treated me as if I was one of the Silk girls myself. I enjoyed talking sports with him and attending the Sox/Phillies game with all of you. You all are what families should be: unconditionally warm, loving, and caring. And I know that came from Bill. I love you Mare.
Susan Jackson
June 15, 2011
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Jason Fay
June 15, 2011
I again want to express my deepest sympathy to your entire family for your abrupt loss. I am still very fond of Uncle Bill and will miss him greatly. He was a generous family oriented person. The lines last night clearly demonstrated the impact and influence he had on people. I am honored to know him and grateful that my daughter Alyse and wife Tricia had the opportunity to spend some time with him down the shore. Take solace in the fact that he is in a better place and reunited with his Mother again. You are all in my prayers today. God Bless. --- Jason
Marianne Walker
June 14, 2011
Dear Eileen and family,
I am so sorry to hear about Bill. He was a wonderful man. I remember how kind he was to our family when our dad passed away and how helpful he was to mom. Keeping all of you in my prayers.
June 14, 2011
Dear Silks-I am truly at a loss for words at the news of Bill's passing. I am so sorry and will continue to pray for everyone. Your husband/father/grandfather was a great man and I have so many great childhood memories that include him. His legacy of family and love(sometimes tough love) will live on through all of us whose lives he has touched. May God bless all of you through this sorrowful time. Love, Teresa Alarcon
Jeanne Festino
June 14, 2011
To the Silk Family,
So sorry to hear of Billy's passing. You are all in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
Kevin Gaffney
June 14, 2011
To all the Silk family, please know how sorry we are for your pain at this time and knowing how good of a man your Dad was, he is in a great place. I know your pain well and be assured he will be missed, but always remembered.
I will always remember growing up and knowing your family and your Dad was always a great man. As we grow older, we tend to lose touch with people in our childhood but I would see Mr. and Mrs. Silk at church every now and then and he always had that smile and hard handshake for me.
Good bless you and the family and you will all be in my families prayers.
Maite Vigil
June 14, 2011
Dearest Mare - I am so sorry for your loss. Words sound empty compared to what you and your family must be feeling. You will all be in my thoughts and prayers. Much Love, Maite
Chris Graham
June 14, 2011
Mr Silk, I have met you a couple of times at softball games. Your granddaughter Allison and my daughter Alexis played on the same team. I did not need to meet you though because I know your son Tom and he is a super person and it must be becasue of the roots he hails from. So sir, please rest in peace knowing you have done a fantastic job with your 7 children. God Bless the entire Silk family.
June 14, 2011
Dear Katie:
Was very sorry to hear of your Dad's sudden passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your entire family.
With Deepest Sympathy,
Helen White
June 14, 2011
Mrs. Silk and family,
I was so sorry to hear of Bill's sudden passing. I worked closely with him at Mead Packaging at both Fairless Hills and Atlanta and knew him for nearly 25 years. A mentor and always a faithful friend, I remember fondly many conversations that centered around his love for his family. Bill had such an impact on so many lives and know that his memory will live in our hearts forever.
Terry McGreevy
Atlanta, Georgia
Mary Hindley
June 14, 2011
I been reflecting the past few days of all the good times we had with our children and all the road trips with hockey we sure had some good laughs Bill you will be missed forever love Mary Hindley
Karen Field Paolone
June 14, 2011
My Family!
I thank God for having him and all of you in my life!!
My heart aches...I called him dad too! I will cherish every moment and memory.
So many memories embeded in my heart!!
THANK YOU MR. SILK...DAD!!! You taught me so many things in life!
I will always love you!
Karen
John Kradzinski
June 13, 2011
Silk Family.
My sympathy on the passing of a great man.Mr.Silk was such a great part of my life as a young kid at Scanlon. He taught us how to be more than hockey players, he taught us life lessons. I had the pleasure of talking to him last summer at the North Catholic Reunion in Wildwood, and am forever glad I ran into him. Rest in peace Mr. Silk.
June 13, 2011
Mrs. Silk and family, we are all so sad to hear of Mr. Silk's passing. He was one of the funniest guys I remember from Juniata and thanks to him, Timmy, Tommy and Billy also shared the love of ice hockey with me, my sister Terry and brother Gene....what wonderful times we had banging on the wall during some great Flyers games in the 70's!!! My heart goes out to all of you during this sad time. Lots of love to all, Marianne McManus
Regina McGrath
June 13, 2011
Mrs. Silk & Family,
So sorry to hear of the passing of Mr. Silk. I have so many great memories of him. I will miss seeing him riding his lawn mower. Chrish all your wonderful memories and he will live on forever in all your hearts! God Bless you all
during this most difficult time.
Christopher Israel
June 13, 2011
Silk family,
Mr/Coach Silk touched every single person in his own special way, Me, I remember him GRABBING me and making sure I always looked at him as he talked to me on the bench. From that game on the rest of my life, I always look people directly in the eyes as they talk to me! Mr. Silk was more than just a coach to me though, as Kevin and I were friends through out our teenage years, I was invited to several family events, which made me feel part of your already large family. Mr. Silk will be missed by many and my prayers are with the Silk family.
Mark Israel
June 13, 2011
Eileen - On behalf of Shirley, Chris and Alison, I want to pass along my deep sorrow at learning of Bill's passing. One of the proudest accomplishments of my life was working with Bill to start the Holy Cross Ice Hockey Program. Without his dedication, knowledge and abilities, this never would have gotten done with the lasting success that it did. More importantly, though, I gained a great friend that even through the years, and the distance of my moving from the area, that friendship never left my heart. What he meant to me and the lasting positive impact he had on my son Chris will be something I will cherish forever. Please accept our deepest condolences and know that our prayers are with you, the kids and your entire family.
Maureen and Michael Nauyokas
June 13, 2011
Mare and family,
Our prayers and thoughts are with you all in such a difficult time. We are so sorry for your loss. I hope all your beautiful memories will comfort you in the toughest of times.
XOXO
Tom Bunting
June 13, 2011
Coach Silk taught us taught me how to play with disipline,work hard at both ends of the ice,how to be a leader,play the game to win not accumulate statistics.Every practice,game or shift i worked as hard as i could for his respect and approval.
I coach my sons team today and i have thought of him often lately.I can only hope that many years from now my players have the respect for me that i had for him.
Jackie (Welde) Brittingham
June 13, 2011
May the memories of every hug and smile from a proud Grandfather carry you through the rough spots ahead. We send our love, and wish we were closer to give a few hugs in person. Love, Jackie (Welde), Andy, Madeline and Andrew Brittingham
jim love
June 13, 2011
Please accept my condolences to entire Silk family. I am deeply grateful for the hockey and life lessons he taught my son Michael, his passion for hockey and life was something that Bill had and shared with many. I know that a parent should be the main source of educating young men and women and I will always be thankful for Bill's interest in Michael. I can remember a day at the hockey rink, when Bill was coaching my son in a loud passionate tone and moments later Michael asking me if he could go to the Silk home for lunch. the many hockey "road trips" we shared, I'll never forget the time in upstate New York after a extremely hard loss, we loaded the boys into the van for the trip back to the hotel, Bill then handed me the keys to the van and instructed me to drive, Bill then proceeded to walk several miles back to the hotel in a raging snow storm, his way of cooling off after a tough loss. I was always impressed by his love of family, and his passion for life, his legacy will be carried on through his family. Bill, thanks for being part of my life and your fondness for Michael will never be forgotten. God bless Bill and Coach Silk.
Denise Lutsky
June 13, 2011
Mr. Silk opened his heart to my family and ensured my kids had fun on a vacation during their dad's deployment to Iraq. His caring heart and enthusiasm around the kids will be deeply missed.
Cathy McGrath-Radley
June 13, 2011
My prayers and thoughts are with you all at this time of great loss. Remember that on the hardest days ahead, it will be the great memories you have that will get you through the sorrow. Godspeed, Mr. Silk.
Charlie Drass
June 13, 2011
I remember when I first joined the Holy Cross High School Ice Hockey team in 1996. My first Experience with Bill was when I heard his voice for the first time and all I thought was, "What a set of pipes on this guy". I've never seen a man move so many big men at once!!!" What came about over the last 15 years was an unmeasurable respect for an incredible man.
My Father struggled with addiction and a bad back while I was in High School. I struggled in school and wasn't seeing much value for myself. Bill never let me see anything than the best I had to offer. He saw things in me that I couldn't. He never let me quit and taught me more than hockey, he taught me how to apply these skills to life. I was so thankful for his guidance and teachings that I made it a personal mission to become a coach myself and take the very same things he taught me and share that with others. It is my hope that as as coach I may do the same for someone as Bill has done for me. One of the greatest gifts I have ever gotten in my life was that I had the ability to tell Bill all of this at the Alumni game. It was hard for both of us to hide the tears, but it was one of the best moments of my life. Bill was like a second father to me and I know just how important he was to so many people. My thoughts and Prayers are with the Silk family, and his memory will always be with me and the Holy Cross Ice Hockey Family.
Jim Love
June 13, 2011
To the entire Silk family, please accept our deepest condolences and shock over Bill's passing. I so appreciate the impact Bill had on my son Michael and many other young men thru his hockey and life coaching.The time spent on our many hockey "road trips" with Bill are memories I will cherish and never forget. Bill was a man of character and great passion, I know Michael and Bill had a special relationship, I remember Bill yelling (coaching) at a very young Michael during a hockey game and moments later asking me if it was ok to go back to the Silk house for lunch. When Bill started the Holy Cross hockey program, he asked Michael to be his assistant coach, that meant a great deal to Michael. I would like to think that a father is the one to impart life lessons to his son, but I also know that the years my son had with Bill was the iceing on the cake, they shared their passion for hockey and Bill will always be in our hearts and prayers. Bill's legacy is evident in his family, I always remember Bill greeting his son's and daughter's at the hockey rink with a kiss, a gentle, tough and great man who will be missed but not forgotten, we love you Bill, Coach and Mr. Silk.
Dianne Tufo
June 13, 2011
Our love, and prayers to the Silk Family ....The Tufo Family.xo
June 13, 2011
Eileen, we are so sorry to hear about Bill's death.He was always a Gentleman, and a gentle man....always sure to have a laugh and a story.I know God will give you the courage and strength you'll need to get thru this.
You two were a truly a great couple and a great role model for marriage.
Your children and grandchildren can attest to that.God Bless all of you.
Love
Gene and Theresa Bennett
Joseph Francano
June 12, 2011
While we all have great life lessons learned and experiences with Uncle Bill, a recent one will stick with me forever. While fishing on his boat with a friend and his sons, Uncle Bill out did himself. The older son (CJ) caught his first fish. Uncle Bill let him reel the fish in and unhooked it for CJ. While CJ was marveling at his fish, Uncle Bill smacked him in the face with the fish knocking CJ in the water. When CJ got out of the water dazed, he told him he was a hockey player. He told him to keep his head up and aware of what was happening around him. CJ laughed and got the lesson. Ten minutes later he did the same thing to Trevor, CJ's brother. Will miss the good times with you Uncle Bill.
Christine Hamrick Long
June 12, 2011
TO all of the Silks,
You are in my thoughts and prayers. I am sorry for your devastating loss. Uncle Bill will be missed by all the lives he has touched.
Bud & Nancy Kennedy
June 12, 2011
Eileen and family,
Meeting you and Bill during our Snowbirding days on Anna Maria Island was such a privilege!! We send our heartfelt sympathy and love at this most difficult time. The North East Catholic connection was such a special surprise. The guys who played poker on Thursday nights during the winter will miss Bill (and his money)!
We will miss his smile and friendship. Be assured of our thoughts and prayers!
Cheryl & Woody
June 12, 2011
Mare, So sorry to hear of the loss of your father. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this very difficult time. Love Cheryl & Woody, Sudbury Ma.
Bobby wallace
June 12, 2011
Mare, I was saddened to hear of the passing of your father, Bill. Although I only met him a few times I completely enjoyed our spirited discussions about hockey especially when it came his beloved Flyers or my Bruins. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time. As you know you are like family to us so we feel your pain but also be comforted by the thought that your Dad has already hooked up with some Flyers fans and they are looking forward to next season.
Carrie Silk
June 12, 2011
It is so difficult to find the words to express how much of a void this world and the Silk family have experienced. Although, Dad Silk was my ex-Father-in-law, he was Pop-Pop to my kids Emily and Derek. He adored and loved them so deeply and there is no doubt they will cherish the memories of the thousands of hugs and kisses all the days of their lives. I would often stand back in awe and watch how he beamed at anything from recitals, sporting events, proms, graduations and little things like losing a tooth. He was the type of person who inspired you to love more and proof that love is multiplied not divided.
Jim DiSabato
June 12, 2011
I will always remember (Uncle) Billy as the nicest person I ever met. The memory that sticks out with me the most is when he gave me a pair of hand-me-down hockey skates when I was about 8 years old. They were used but I thought they were the coolest skates in the world. I believe that started me on my love of hockey to this day. I regret not getting out and playing a round of golf with Uncle Billy and my dad. My deepest condolences to the Silk family, he was a terrific person and will be missed by all.
Nikki Moore
June 12, 2011
Uncle Bill being the generous and thoughtful guy that he was - gave my son Aidan a full-size hockey stick when he was first born 4 years ago. We put it away planning to bring it out when he was old enough. The day after Uncle Bill's death we decided to go to a neighborhood bbq to get the kids out of the house and get our minds off things. Of all the games the kids could be playing at the event - street hockey. Aidan played his first hockey game and absolutely loved it. I know Uncle Bill was letting us know it is time to get the hockey stick out. Miss you forever Uncle Bill. Always a positive booming spirit - brought all those you met such joy and warmth. Can only hope to love like you loved. Love and healing to all the Silks. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
June 12, 2011
No words can summarize our deepest sorrow and sympathy wtih you. you are in our thoughts and prayers all the time...We are sorry that we can't be with you....lots of love and sympathy....cheryl and the comiskeys
Melissa Sullivan Wood
June 12, 2011
Mare, I am so sorry for you and your family dealing with this incredible and unexpected loss. I know the Silk's are an amazingly close and loving family, which makes this all the more difficult. I can only hope that your strong family connections helps you all get through this together.
I love you my friend, and wish I could do more to ease your pain. I will see you soon.
Heather Oakes Hawks
June 12, 2011
Mrs. Silk and Family - I am so sorry to learn of the loss of my favorite adult advisor ever. He was a fabulous man and I'm blessed to have known him while I was in high school. Unfortunately, my mom and I know what it's like to lose a husband/father suddenly so if any of you need a shoulder or an ear we are both here. Much love to all of you but especially Mrs. Silk (my other favorite adult advisor), Mare and Shannon who I loved as my little WINGS sisters. Love, Heather
Julie Tighe-Miller
June 12, 2011
Even though he was not my true Uncle, he lovingly let me call him Uncle Bill... He was an amazing man that held a special place in my heart as well as the heart of my husband, Jeremy. His wonderful family is a true testament to his love for family. I can only hope to be as tremendous a person as he was. I was so fortunate to have known him. My heart aches for the Silk family and our thoughts are with you during these dark moments.
Marzy Silk
June 12, 2011
My dad called me his "Cup Baby" because he had 3 sons and wanted a daughter. The Flyers won their first Stanley Cup the season I was born and I was his first princess. My dad and I had healthy arguments but they were all forgotten when a game came on. You will be so sorely missed, Dad, by Princess #1
gina DeVivo Brassaw
June 12, 2011
Mare & family- You are always in my thoughts and prayers. I am so sorry for your loss. Love
Timmy
June 12, 2011
Lorraine and I brought a fixer-upper house 6 years ago. Although we've made great progress, we still have much to do. For the last couple years, just about every day Dad would say " Ok Tim, what's the next project?" This would usually bug the daylight out of me because it would constantly remind me of all I had left to do, occasionally overwhelming me. Lord how I wish he was bugging me today! Take all the annoying little things your loved ones do and turn it into joy, for they may not be here tomorrow!
Deirdre O'Shea-Kerr
June 12, 2011
Marzy and family, I am so sorry for your loss. I have no words but to say you are in my thoughts. Love, Deirdre
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