Richard "Dick" Silverstein

Obituary of Richard "Dick" Silverstein

Richard "Dick" Silverstein, 83, of Denver, CO, died July 31, 2025 after a long battle with Parkinson's Disease.

Dick was a wise, self-effacing gentleman who was most comfortable supporting others. He was known for his quirky sense of humor and impersonations over the phone – people loved his way of making them laugh. Dick was kind to family and friends alike, and he dedicated much of his time to the happiness and success of his children and grandchildren. Professionally, he made those he served in his law practice feel comfortable and supported.

Volunteering came naturally to Dick whether making PBJ sandwiches, delivering lunches, serving unhoused women, or quietly managing the HOA board. And, he knew how to listen. That and his long-term interest in geography helped him remember both people and places in ways that amazed his family and friends.

Dick was born in Honolulu, Hawaii, six weeks before the Pearl Harbor attack. He attended the Punahou School from kindergarten through 12 th grade and graduated from the University of Montana with a degree in political science, remaining there to complete his law degree before marrying Jan. Dick served in the military from 1966 to 1968. Dick's service in the Army Signal Corp included a year in Vietnam where he practiced law, encountered Agent Orange, earned a Bronze Star, and met lifelong friends.

Moving to the Denver area after Vietnam service, Dick settled into his law practice and raised a family of boys and dogs. All Dick's dogs knew they had hit the jackpot. His sons would grow to second that.

Sports were always the center of his attention - from the signed baseballs he collected as a boy to hanging in there with the Rockies. He made time for coaching sports for his sons and other young boys over many years - coaching 6 year old soccer players, making his son's love of showing horses an eight- year reality, coaching 11 year-olds in baseball, and finally, dedicating untold hours managing and coaching a high school lacrosse team which has led to a family passion for the sport.

He and Jan loved years of travel together with a focus on friends, food, and beautiful places to be. And, Dick enjoyed all things French, with a preference for tiny villages in Provence, Julia Child's cook books, and long-term friendships with his hosts. Annual visits to a cabin in SW Colorado also brought him great pleasure.

Dick is survived by Jan, his wife of 58 years, their two sons, Brock (Stacey) and Justin (Jennifer) and three grandchildren, Cooper, Colton, and Chloe as well as his younger brother Bob (Karen). He is preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Gladys Silverstein, his brother Cliff, and a Dutch client, Clara de Vos, who became a third grandmother to the Silverstein boys and a cherished member of the family.

Dick's family is truly grateful to the unsung heroes during this recent journey – the women who took amazing care of Dick and the family during his illness.

A celebration of life will be held at the Denver Botanic Gardens at 5pm, August 29. Hawaiian theme, no charge for admission.

His suggestions for donations include The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) and The Grey Muzzle Organization.