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JAY SILVER Obituary

SILVER--Jay Sterling. Jay Sterling Silver died on October 16th, 2024 at the age of 72. Born September 18th, 1952 to parents Ralph and Lois at Wesley Memorial Hospital in downtown Chicago, Jay grew up in Glencoe, Illinois alongside his lifelong friend Paul where he attended New Trier High School. Jay graduated with a B.A. from Washington University before receiving his J.D. from Vanderbilt University School of Law and his LL.M. from the University of Pennsylvania School of Law. After serving as a public defender in Pittsburgh, Jay became a tenured professor at St. Thomas University College of Law where he taught for 36 years. His scholarship appeared in leading law reviews including Vanderbilt and UCLA and in 2015, at the request of the Mongolian government, Jay helped draft revisions to the country's Soviet-style Code of Criminal Procedure. After retiring in 2022 as Professor Emeritus, he continued to contribute commentary to national media outlets including The New York Times and The Washington Post. Jay is survived by his life partner of 21 years, Beth, his three children Ari (Jennifer), Elina, and Miriam, their mother Mary, his sister Cappy, and his beloved grandson.

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Published by New York Times on Nov. 24, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for JAY SILVER

19 Entries

John Hill

April 30, 2025

I was a colleague of Jay and, though we had not been in touch the last few years, we had some wonderful times together in the mud to late '90s. He'd always have a banana sticking out of his suit pocket! But he was a dedicated scholar, crazy associate Dean ( he worked at night) and just a wonderful guy. I will miss him.

Jose Rohaidy

February 20, 2025

Prof. Silver was an excellent professor, and an even better person. I took his capstone research assignment course in the Spring of 2017, with the hopes of just getting through the course so I could graduate and focus on the Bar Exam. Prof. Silver was exciting, energetic, and passionate about his student's success. He encouraged me to have my topic paper published. We need more people like Jay Silver in this world. May he rest in eternal peace.

Linda M. S.

February 10, 2025

You changed my life and will always be remembered, Professor Silver. This broke my heart. I´m so sorry to your family.

Alexandra Bendayan

January 27, 2025

Mr. Silver, thank you for treating me with kindness and respect. I admired your unique style and personality. What a gift to have met you in this lifetime, you left so much impact.

Julie G

January 27, 2025

I was Professor Silver´s research assistant at STU as well as a student of his in the early 90´s. He was a great teacher and a great boss. Always kind. May his memory be a blessing.

Aloni Palmer

January 17, 2025

I feel extremely lucky to have been a student of professor Silver. He was so kind and one of the most impactful professors I had in law school. I genuinely enjoyed attending his class. The world needs more people like him. Rest in peace professor!

Tonya Williams

January 15, 2025

There are no words to describe how deeply Dean Silver impacted the my time at STU Law. He was a kind man. My deepest condolences to his family and loved ones.

Professor Pablo Paul-Michael Klein

January 14, 2025

Everyone at the university was very fond of Jay, a terrific guy

Luis Victoria

January 14, 2025

I recently learned through St. Thomas University School of Law´s social media about the passing of Professor Silver on October 24th, 2024. I am deeply shocked, saddened, and heartbroken by this news.

I want to extend my heartfelt condolences to his family during this difficult time. Professor Silver made an everlasting impact on my life during my time at law school. As my professor for Torts Law at St. Thomas University School of Law, he was not only incredibly humble but also an outstandingly intelligent and respected professor.

I feel truly fortunate and honored to have been one of his students at St. Thomas University School of Law. Attending this institution shaped me into a better person and a better professional. It was a blessing from God to share my journey with such extraordinary individuals, including Professor Silver, who was undoubtedly one of the brightest and most influential professors I had the privilege of learning from.

His kindness, brilliance, and dedication to teaching left an indelible mark on all of his students, including myself. I carry his teachings and wisdom with me every day and will forever be grateful for the impact he had on my life.

May he rest in eternal peace.

Luis Victoria, Esq.

Rick Zak

December 20, 2024

I was fortunate to have known and lived with Jay in the 60´s at Camp Thunderbird in Minnesota. He was funny, thoughtful, and incredibly bright. My condolences to his family, especially his sister Cappy.

Bob Engelman

December 7, 2024

I met Jay in our neighborhood when we were both walking our dogs. One of his dogs, Bella, would get pretty agitated when she saw me and my dog, Latte. What did Jay do? He picked her up and carried her. Now that's a real dog lover.
We got to talking and developed a friendship. He always had a smile and great conversation. I sure miss him.

Rob

December 4, 2024

Played softball together, and was in the same suite with Jay sophomore year at Wash U. Sorry to hear of Jay's passing. He was a fierce defender on the Wash. U. Soccer team, and a loyal teammate.

Angela and Gus

December 1, 2024

Our most heartfelt condolences to all of the family, especially Beth our lovely neighbor, for the loss of precious Jay. Jay was a most amazing kind hearted man who will be greatly missed. Angela and Gus

Rodionov Family

November 25, 2024

Jay was an amazingly deep and loving person. He could easily engage in a serious conversation, and very appropriately crack a joke or two to help those around him feel more comfortable. His kind heart and caring personality will always be in our memory. May his memory be eternal .

Elisabeth

November 25, 2024

Jay was a wonderful, loving and giving person. I feel honored to have known him.

Kimberly Dunn

November 25, 2024

I am so honored I was able to get to know Jay during his remarkable life. He was a good and generous person.

Lou Ann Frankel

November 24, 2024

In loving memory of a wonderful person and cousin. I will love you and miss you always. I am very happy that we reconnected these past years.

David

November 24, 2024

My deepest and sincerest condolences to a wonderful cousin. Will miss you dearly Jay.