David L. Silverthorne

David L. Silverthorne, 86, of West Caldwell, passed away peacefully on December 20, 2025, surrounded by love and family.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a memorial visitation on Saturday, December 27, 2025, from 2:00 to 5:00 PM at Shook-Farmer Funeral Home, 45 Roseland Avenue, Roseland, New Jersey. A memorial service will be held at 4:30 PM at the funeral home. Condolences and memories may be shared at shookfarmer.com.
Dave lived nearly his entire life in the Caldwells and was deeply rooted in the community he loved. As a young man, he attended local schools, played high school football, and after graduation proudly served his country in the United States Army with the 25th Infantry Division.
Following his military service Dave worked as a sales representative for various companies, including Nestlé and Epstein & Sons. After retiring, Dave served the township of West Caldwell as a crossing guard.
Dave had a lifelong love of sports and youth athletics. He was a founding member of the Cardinals, a Youth football league organization in Caldwell, and devoted many years to coaching young athletes, leaving a lasting impression on countless children and families. He was also a longtime member of the Gridiron Club of Caldwell and a proud member of American Legion Post 185. In later years, nothing brought him more joy than watching and cheering on his grandchildren at their sporting events.
Well known for his friendly, conversational nature and remarkable sense of direction, Dave could strike up a conversation with anyone and tell you how to get just about anywhere. He enjoyed traveling-especially cruises with his beloved wife, Carol-and looked forward to trips to local casinos. At home, he was equally content spending quiet time with a jigsaw puzzle or a Sudoku book.
Dave's greatest pride was his family. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Carol A. (Pittington) Silverthorne; his children, David J. Silverthorne (Liz), Karen Silverthorne-Kaldy (Kevin Shally), and Steven Silverthorne (Melissa); and his grandchildren, Hunter Kaldy (Ariana), Griffin Silverthorne, Spencer Kaldy (Alena), Mckenna Kaldy, Shannon Silverthorne, Nicholas Silverthorne, Summer Silverthorne, Ryder Silverthorne, and Skye Silverthorne. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, extended relatives, and friends who will miss him dearly.
He was predeceased by his parents, Henry and Jennie Silverthorne, and his siblings, Donald Silverthorne, Hank Silverthorne, Beverly Schaefer, Ila Tomkins, and Gloria Yarmchuk.
In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that a tree be planted in David's memory, a living tribute to a life rooted in family, service, and community.