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JOHN SILBER Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for JOHN SILBER
Mickarl Thomas
October 6, 2012
I pastored in Boston,Mass. for thirteen years (1981-1994). Dr. Silber became a good friend and we had a mutual good friend, the late Rev. Tony Campbell. Dr. Silber's commitment, tenaciousness, intellect and convictions made me a better preacher and administrator. I received my Doctor of Ministry from Boston University School of Theology in 1986 while, pastoring Charles Street AME Church. Dr. Silber visited the church and supported my ministry. I even campaigned for his gubanatorial bid. He lost the race but not my respect and admiration. May the comforting spirit of the Lord guide and sustain the Silber family doing this time of bereavement.
October 5, 2012
Silber family,listen to the word of GOD at this point.(psalm 34:17)They cried out,and GOD himself heard,and out of all their distresses he delivered them.He's there for you.
D.G.
Kathleen Kilgore
October 2, 2012
Thanks for the memories...and the "Transformations."
Celebration of Boston Public Garden's 100th Anniversary
Kathleen Kilgore
October 2, 2012
Paula Archer
October 1, 2012
My condolences to Dr. Silbur's family. I wanted to share with you how he impacted my life. Over 40 years ago I was in Dr. Silbur's required Philosophy course for Plan II majors at the University of Texas. As part of the course we were all required to participate in a project of our choosing in the poorer neighborhoods. This endeavor was termed the "Slum Project" by the students. My team of 4 chose to register poor (predominately black) voters in Houston's notorious Third Ward. As we trudged door to door we began to see the world in a whole different way. So many had so much less. So many blacks had never voted because it was just too hard in those days. Their eyes would light up as we helped them fill out their registration card and explained the voting process that would let them finally participate in our democracy. I don't remember much of anything about Kant but I will never forget the Slum Project. It changed my view of the world and has impacted my adult life to this day. How lucky I was to be in that class. Throughout my adult life I have read news clippings of Dr. Silbur's successes and have been reminded of my good fortune to have had that one class. Clearly he was a man who touched many, many lives. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time. Paula Archer UT '70
Annie DeMartino
October 1, 2012
My sincere sympathies to John Silber's Family. I had the honor to place his name in nomination at the 1990 Democratic State Convention. He was a dear friend and the most brilliant man I have known in my life.
Matt McGrath
October 1, 2012
My condolences to Dr. Silber's family.A truly great man. I am proud to have supported him for governor in 1990. RIP.
Cornelia H Sanders Distinguished Alumni 2007
September 30, 2012
MY sympathy and love to Mrs Ruth Silber and the f amily,recognizing Dr Silber's subtle compassion and his enormous ability to create change.
Megan Bailey Gerdes
September 30, 2012
My condolences to Ruthie and her siblings for the loss of their dad. Bless you all.
Megan Bailey BHS '81
Robert Antonucci
September 30, 2012
My sincere sympathy to the family on the loss of a well respected man. We worked together on many initiatives for the children of the state. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Bob Antonucci
President , Fitchburg State University
Former Commissioner of Education
September 29, 2012
John Sibler was the force behind bringing
college education into ma. state prisons
my son graduated from B.U with a degree
while there and to this day, he tells
everyone it was the single most important thing that completely changed
his life. {1990} be proud Silber Family julie and john tammaro,boston
Mike DiMuccio
September 29, 2012
When I was a freshman at BU I reached out to Mr Silber for an interview on well know BU metal sculptor Surgio Castillo and he was more then willing to share his time and knowlege. He was a great man. I learned alot from our time together
A friend.
September 29, 2012
What a man! A giant, with a giant heart! May God be with you.
September 29, 2012
Our condolences to the family with warm memories of his accomplishments at the University and the Chelsea school system.
Alicia Borinsky and Jeffrey Mehlman
Boston University
Jeff Corcoran
September 29, 2012
My condolances to his family. In life you only meet a few people who have the backbone and desire to make the world a better place - John was at the top of the list.
Edward Flagg
September 29, 2012
may the GOD who gives pease be the family in this time of great need.
George Shea
September 29, 2012
Rarely in ones lifetime do we have the priviledge of knowing and working for s man of untiring inspiration.
pauL McDonough
September 29, 2012
The only democrat I ever voted for I loved how politically incorrect he was. He was an interesting character indeed.rest in peace john
Barb
September 29, 2012
How wonderful it is to know that our loved ones who have passed on are not hurting and are not conscious of anything at all (Ecclesiastes 9:5). With deepest sympathy.
September 29, 2012
Offering my deepest condolences during this difficult time, I'm so very sorry for your loss, death is something we are never prepared for, but please find comfort in knowing God has promised He will do away with sickness, pain and death for His word is truth.
ALFONSO RUBIO JR
September 29, 2012
My condolences AND prayers from a former student at Univ of Texas.
Linda
September 28, 2012
May God bring you peace and comfort during this difficult time.
Phillipians 4:7 I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.
-John 14:18
Rosemarie Carlisle
September 28, 2012
John Silber Was a great educator.He did so much to bring the Chelsea Public Schools back on track.His dedication to education did so much for so many students in Chelsea ma.Rest in Peace John
Rosemarie Carlisle
Chelsea School committee
John Reidy
September 28, 2012
I worked as a volunteer in Dr. Silber's campaign in 1990, and became a better person for it, please wear "your cufflinks", in heaven for me Sir...."SV" my best to all the Silber's
David Neudeck
September 28, 2012
You made a positive difference in so many people's lives and few people can say that these days. I will always be proud to have had your friendship. Rest in peace, sir!
Judi Paparelli
September 28, 2012
The whole world is upside down these days. John Silber was right side up. He lived during a time when genius and individuality are under constant assault, yet the universe could not manage to knock these precious qualities out of this gifted man. Try as they might, the forces of mediocrity failed to stem the flow of John Silber's brilliant self-expression. Whether or not one shared his viewpoint is irrelevant. All great thinkers are controversial. The fact that John Silber existed and thrived in a culture that perceives any hint of unconventionality as a threat, is a source of inspiration for anyone who reveres originality. I am merely one of so many whose lives have been enhanced by this remarkable man. Years ago, Dr. Silber – as happened so often – came under fire for his views on the Massachusetts education system. On this particular occasion, he had advocated a school experience that fostered students' curiosity and provoked thought. I could not, for the life of me, understand why he faced such passionate public objection over his desire to enrich the lives of students. So, I wrote a letter, which was published by a Boston newspaper, in which I quoted Albert Einstein, who, based on his own observations, had noted that “Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds.” Soon after publication, I received a personal letter from Dr. Silber, thanking me for standing up for him publicly and praising my use of the Einstein quote. Along the margin of the letter, he had hand written and signed an added note: “This is, by all accounts, an extremely well-written letter.” For an aspiring writer, who admired and respected Dr. Silber beyond all measure, his generous gesture was a dream come true. I framed the letter -- and the envelope it had arrived in -- and stared at it every day while plugging away at my craft. For strivers and dreamers everywhere, John Silber's life offers hope and inspiration. When we become frustrated at a world that too often rewards mediocrity and punishes excellence, we can remember the man who turned Boston University into a world class center of education. When we become weary of imitation and long for even a hint of originality, we can remember the man who expressed his uniqueness so brilliantly. When we long for someone who does not parse words or communicate with ambiguity, we can remember the man who was at all times direct and honest, whatever the cost. Right side up when the whole world is upside down. I am grateful to have lived in Boston during a time when John Silber made his indelible mark.
Judi Paparelli. Writer. Broadcaster. Public Speaker. Los Angeles.
Frances Notzon
September 28, 2012
John Silber was a man of principle and a true Texan. Our country desperately needs more people like him. May he rest in peace.
September 28, 2012
John is remembered for his strong support of my husband (Claude Allen) during those turbulent years @ U.T.,Austin. He was a staunch supporter and so helpful and generous to us. I am forever grateful for his tireless efforts on our behalf. He was a faithful friend. My condolences to his family. Connie Allen
John
September 28, 2012
Very sad to hear of Dr. Silber passing, My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Terri Lee DeStefano
September 28, 2012
Dr. Silber was a legend! My condolences to the Silber family, especially Charles Hiett.
JOHN MANUELIAN
September 28, 2012
john silber was a good friend to the armenians. MAY HE REST IN PEACE.
Henrietta Doetsch
September 28, 2012
Sorry to hear of Dr. Silber's passing. I have many fond childhood memories of your family. I hope all of you will find comfort in your memories of a wonderful MAN.
Joseph Antognoni
September 28, 2012
I remember his parents during WWII,in Texas,volunteers forhe USO,when I visited on weekends from the Navy.They were very friendly and giving. Condolences to the family
Theodore Tedeschi
September 28, 2012
A special and great man with a great mind who demanded the best from others. It was a high point in our careers for my wife Linda Grasso and I to have worked with and learned from him.
September 28, 2012
To the family of John Silber may God give you comfort and peace by means of prayer - Philipians 4:6,7. My deepest symppathy
diane lin
September 28, 2012
I am saddened to hear of President Silber's passing.
I was a student at BU (CBA) during his tenure from 1968-1972.
Wayne Petty
September 27, 2012
Our sympathies to you, Judith, and to your family on your father's passing. His love of great music lives on through you.
Herbert Bilhartz
September 27, 2012
John Silber and I were classmates and good friends in San Antonio at Horace Mann Jr. High and Jefferson High School where we were both dedicated members of the Jefferson Band. John was an outstanding trumpet player and at one time considered a career in music. We got together a year ago and talked over our school days while John was visiting his brother Paul in San Antonio. My sincere sympathy to Paul and all of John's family. John Silber was a great American.
Marvin Wolfert
September 27, 2012
Condolences to the family. I attended BU during Dr. Silber's tenure. Then, and after, I deeply respected his intelligence, directness, and refusal to pander. He remains the only political candidate for whom I held signs outside the polling place. He will be missed.
September 27, 2012
September 27, 2012
Dear Ruth and your other sisters,
I was shocked to learn your father passed to the Lord today. His passing coincided with the passing of our Mother Placid Dempsey's at 3:15 this morning. It is truly awesome. I will miss him. He was wonderful!
with love,
Sr Anne
George & Elaine Sacco
September 27, 2012
SIlber Women and Brother, I
Loved
To Silber women and brother, I admired two great people in government.......Maurice Donahue and your DAD.......my pride and pleasure to support the Docter for governor......I got to know HIM......an love HIM............our love and prayers...........George and Elaine Sacco
Derek Davis
September 27, 2012
Today Boston University and higher education has lost a great champion. John Silber in many ways redefined leadership in higher education and in public life. He challenged us all to think, to care and to strive to leave this place better than we found it. He will be missed.
James Vinick
September 27, 2012
Dr. Silber became my friend in January 1982 after my wife Harriet ( SAR 1962 )died unexpectedly and my son was a freshman at B.U. .....His friedship helped my family get through a very difficult period in our lives and for over two decades he always included me in many events , both at B.U. and at his home .....He spent some memorable times with me here in Springfield ........Many years ago , I was quoted in the Dallas Sunday paper when asked about Dr. Silber by a reporter doing a feature story on this famous Texan ...I said , " He was hired to do a job , and he did it"
My prayers to the family of a transformational leader
Jim Vinick SMG 1962
Heather William
September 27, 2012
Dear friends and neighbors,
With a heavy heart I send thoughts and prayers to all the Silbers. My mother, Cleo Webster, will miss Johns greetings and smiles. Seeing him, as an adult, at mums 90th birthday party was such a treat for me but I still felt like a small child in AWE of his brilliance! He was a dear man and an important one, strong in his opinions and his convictions. He raised a wonderful family. He is with his lovely wife now....and in all your hearts. He will be sadly missed....
Fondly, Heather William and family
September 27, 2012
With deepest sympathy to the Silber family during your time of grief...Psalm 46:1...God is for us a refuge and strength, A help that is readily to be found during difficult times...May God provide you with peace and comfort to endure the days ahead.
September 27, 2012
Never a dull moment when John Silber was at the helm. He will be missed. My condolences to his family.
John McPhail
September 27, 2012
John Silber proved that you can be cantankerous and successful at the same time. While I often didn't agree with his methods I always admired his accomplishments.
Richard Feldman
September 27, 2012
You were a fighter and challenged orthodoxy at every turn. The words of George Bernard Shaw ring particularly true of your legacy: "The reasonable man adapts himself to the world; the unreasonable man persists in trying to adapt the world to himself. Therefore all progress depends on the unreasonable man". You made a difference! Thank you.
David Langlais
September 27, 2012
Thanks Dr. Silber for making us all strive to do better in our lives.
Dan Warner
September 27, 2012
My condolences to Dr. Silber's family. His passing is a great loss. After my father, he had a greater impact on me than any other man in my life. He will be missed.
R P
September 27, 2012
Dr. Silber, thank you. You left the city, state and BU better than you found them. Intellectual honesty and rigor were your hallmarks. We are in your debt.
September 27, 2012
You left an indelible mark on BU and Massachusetts education as a whole. R.I.P
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