Sol Silverman Obituary

Sol Silverman, Jr. DDS

May 12, 1926 - August 13, 2014

Sol Silverman, Jr. DDS, a San Francisco native, showed signs of intellectual prominence early on in his life. He excelled academically, even skipping a grade on his way to earning his Doctorate in Dentistry from UCSF in 1954. From there, he became a pioneer of Oral Medicine, specializing in oral cancer research. Sol's work will continue to impact the lives of countless individuals every year. As a faculty member of UCSF's School of Dentistry from 1954-2014, Sol educated bright, young professionals that went on to lead successful careers, many of whom retired before him! Miraculously, outside of his academic responsibilities, Sol served as President on numerous boards and councils, published over 300 scientific articles and texts, and received humbling amounts of awards and praise for his accomplishments. Dr. Silverman was a world renowned dentist, professor, clinician, researcher, and public speaker; yet he also found the time to be a family man.

Sol always advocated the importance of family. He enjoyed nothing more than bringing the entire family together every year for joyous days filled with laughter and of course, athletic activity. Even at 88-years old, Sol actively participated in both tennis and basketball, never shying away from putting up his renowned 12-foot jumper.

In his final days, both Sol and his family were overwhelmed by the love and support that his friends and colleagues provided. He received every note written and well wish given; each one bringing a modest smile to his face, allowing both him and his family to reflect and appreciate a lifetime of immense happiness.

Dr. Silverman was preceded in death by his brother Jack and loving wife of 59 years, Betty. He is survived by his three children, Jon Silverman, Joan Thompson, and Bob Silverman (wife, Sandra) as well as seven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

Sol elected to forego a formal funeral service. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Sol Silverman Jr. Endowed Scholarship, by sending a check payable to the UCSF Foundation with a note/memo that the gift is for the Sol Silverman Jr. Endowed Scholarship:

UCSF Foundation
PO Box 45339
San Francisco, CA 94145

Please call the UCSF Foundation at 415 476-6476 should you have any questions around gifting.

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

Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Aug. 20 to Sep. 7, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Sol Silverman

7 Entries

Pauline Wong

September 6, 2016

I just found the shocking news that Dr Silverman had died in 2014 - so very sad. He was a wonderful & kind doctor & person. I was fortunate to be a patient of his in the mid-2000s. My mother & I last saw him in Feb, 2012. He died only 1 yr after my mother died.

Colleen Cornell

September 3, 2014

I am so sorry to hear of your father's passing. I was so sad to read the letter his clinic sent to me. Dr. Silverman was one of the sweetest, kind, gentle and caring doctors I've ever met. I became a patient of his last year. Although I was quiet nervous, his beautiful kindness put me at ease. I was in awe of his teaching abilities and I could clearly see how highly respected he was to his students and colleagues. Praying God's comfort for you and all who knew such a great man.

Jamie Canellos

September 1, 2014

Bob,
I have many fond memories of Bud sinking the 20 footer on Sunday mornings at Rochambeau.

August 30, 2014

My condolences to the Silverman family,
UCSF is an exceptional institution and Dr. SS will be missed. Perhaps time will help and offer some relief.
Regards,
Rodney Owyang.

David Stern

August 28, 2014

Dear Jon, Joan and Bob: I just learned today of Bud's passing. He was a wonderful and remarkable man. I hadn't seen him in several years because I didn't visit SF. The last time we got together we shared a large portion of steak tartar and he gave me permission to eat it. He always gave me an update on your activities. Of course I thought he would live forever because he never looked any older when I hadn't seen him for too many years. I was fortunate that Carolyn married Sol, Sr. so many years ago and I inherited Bud and Betty and Jack and Chris. And Sol (Sr.) used to brag to me about his grandchildren. You can certainly live with great memories of your father's exceptional accomplishments in the field of medicine and his exploits on
the basketball and tennis courts.
With my best regards.

Ruth Roman's Daughter

August 28, 2014

So sad to hear about your Dad. What a giant of a man in his work at UCSF School of Dentistry. I worked in the School of Dentistry and my mother, Ruth Roman, also worked there for many years right down the hall from him since 1958, in the Dean's Office as Ruth Bogue and later as Ruth Roman in Student Affairs. And she knew him well. I had heard about him long before I ever worked there. He was one of the most respected Chairmen in the School and my mother, thankfully, was able to get this kind man to diagnose and treat my children's father who was suffering a great deal of pain from an injury he received as a US Marine. I'm pretty sure he helped my sister as well. Thank you, Dr. Silverman, for helping my beloved, David, and operating on him and the injured nerves that caused so much pain, and for helping our students and so many others during your life. You were among the great ones there at UC School of Dentistry that I and my mother and all of our students looked up to.

Nancy Deimling

August 25, 2014

Words cannot describe my shock and sadness for the passing of Dr. Silverman. I have been a patient of Dr. Silverman's for 8 years. During each appointment Dr. Silverman was very kind and always calmed my fears. I will miss Dr. Silverman very much and will forever be grateful that I was his patient.
It is ironic that my father passed away the same day, August 13, 2014
2 weeks ago.

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