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BORN

1953

DIED

2015

Philip Silverstein Obituary

Philip Silverstein

We celebrate the life of Philip Silverstein, born 18 July 1953 in Los Angeles and fixture of San Francisco's Mission District for his final 35 years.

Known to many as a photographer's model, Philip was also a scene-stealing actor and singer in 1980's SF theater productions.

He was beloved as patron, benefactor, muse and friendly critic to many artists and musicians of his era and his sensibility was informed by an acute sense of personal and societal justice.

Autodidact and ILWU member, he was widely known for his passions for cinema, literature and fine food.

Philip will be missed by his many friends! We loved him for his irreverent humor, for his generosity, and for his indomitable, independent spirit.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Jul. 17 to Jul. 19, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Philip Silverstein

Not sure what to say?





N. Dewolf

July 11, 2025

Really miss you Philip.

Adriana

August 7, 2015

A true individual. It was a pleasure knowing you and thank you for sharing your sense of humor and free spirit.

July 26, 2015

Joshua

July 24, 2015

Lots of memories from a quarter century of knowing Philip. But this one really brings him back. This is so Philip: https://vimeo.com/75188862
I'd like to know how he died, if anyone can help me with that-- [email protected]
Goodbye Philip. I honor you for doing your own thing in life, and being true to yourself.

Henry MayLin

July 20, 2015

he had a store on BryantSt in SouthOfMarketSanFranciscoCA and i would see him on the occasion that I went into the Hall to deal with my traffic citations.Decades later I would see him at the midweek noontime concerts helping out with moving the piano. i recently saw him on KansasSt in the City and Mr Phlip wondered how i knew him. From AnAvenuerInSF

Jaina Bee

July 20, 2015

My day became invariably brighter when I crossed paths with Philip. His sly sense of humor and deep appreciation of the nuances of life will be missed, along with that increasingly rare gift of true individuality in this city. Blessings on your journey, dear Philip.

Rene Aceves

July 19, 2015

Goodbye to an old friend I sadly fell out of touch with several years ago. I met him in 1978. He kept me laughing, enjoying good food and movies, and observing life for the next thirty years. One of a kind. You will be missed, Philip.

Laurie Troyer

July 19, 2015

Philip was an old friend; not many people as open and friendly as he was. I miss you Philip!

Laurie Troyer

July 18, 2015

Oh my gosh, Philip will be missed by his many neighborhood friends and friends from Adobe; the Mission will not be the same without him.

Natashja Dewolfe

July 18, 2015

Will really be missed. He was a wonderful friend. love you Philip! xoxoxo

Showing 1 - 11 of 11 results

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To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

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