LESLIE SILVERMAN Obituary

Leslie Joel Silverman (Age 93)
Leslie Joel Silverman passed away peacefully, at his home in Philadelphia, PA on August 13, 2020. Leslie was born in Chicago, IL, on June 11, 1927, to parents Samuel and Bess Silverman, and he spent most of his adult life in the Washington, DC area. He was preceded in death by his beloved sister Phyllis Tinsley. Leslie is survived by his adored wife of 40 years, Iris (née Hill); his three daughters, Beth Kljajic (Ray), Amy Silver O'Leary (Brian), and Sara Silverman; his stepson Henry Garfield; three grandchildren; four step-grandchildren; and six step-great-grandchildren. After serving in the Navy, Leslie graduated from Roosevelt College and received an M.A. from the New School for Social Research. He taught at several universities including GWU, and continued his own research focusing on the use of computers for statistical calculations. Leslie moved to Arlington, VA, with his family in 1963 to work as a sociological statistician for the Office of Education at HEW, ultimately retiring as a Deputy Assistant Administrator at the National Center for Educational Statistics, U.S. Department of Education. Leslie and Iris lived a full life in retirement, spending summers at the Tanglewood music festival, volunteering (Leslie was a docent at the Corcoran Museum for many years), and traveling to Europe where they lived in Italy, France, and Spain. During all of their adventures they made lifelong friends. Leslie and Iris moved to Philadelphia, PA in 2015, where they loved getting to know the city, attending concerts at the Philadelphia Orchestra, and visiting museums and restaurants. A loving and supportive father, stepfather, and grandfather and a man of great warmth and integrity, Leslie had many dear friends of all ages to whom he was an important figure. Even in his last days, everyone who encountered him commented on his kindness, generosity, and gentle good humor. A memorial service will be held once it is possible to gather safely in person. Memorial contributions in Leslie's name can be made to Doctors Without Borders or the Southern Poverty Law Center, two charities whose work he supported.

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Published by The Washington Post on Aug. 19, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for LESLIE SILVERMAN

6 Entries

Laura Henschel and Bob Riess

August 16, 2023

Both Les and Iris were warm and curious people. We always appreciated their love of art, philosophy and culture and we explored those ideas over one of Leslie´s fabulous meals or our own. But I loved the deep sense of justice that Leslie felt and how he contributed to changing the world for the better. I also remember his easy laughter and joy. We miss them both.

Frederick, Irene SANNAJUST & Family

August 23, 2020

Frederick and Irene met Leslie in France 27 years ago. Leslie thoroughly enjoyed history, culture and museums. Over the years he followed our family around the world. He was such a special friend to us as we shared many cherished moments together.
Please, Iris, accept our condolences, and just remember that we are here for you, please don't hesitate to reach out to us during this difficult time.
May dear Leslie rest in peace.
With all our sympathy and love.

Irene, Frederick & family

Frederick and Irene Sannajust

August 20, 2020

We have known Leslie for 27 years. He followed our family around the world. He was a very special friend who enjoyed History, Art and Culture.
We will keep Leslie in our prays and send our condolences to Iris and his family
May dear Leslie rest in peace.

JOHN SCHALLER

Planted Trees

Bev Nerenberg

August 19, 2020

My sympathy and heart go out to the family. Les was a wonderful person and I'll always remember his kindness, generosity and love for his family friends. I'm honored to be included in this group. May he rest in peace and live in our hearts forever.

Elisa Tinsley

August 19, 2020

Mourning with you the loss of a brilliant, kind and unique person (and uncle). My memories of Uncle Leslie date back to a visit in the Deep South, probably in the late 1950s, to watching him flip pancakes for a posse of kids in his Arlington, VA kitchen in 1964, to the 1980s into the 2000s when we intersected in DC and occasionally sampled his gourmet fare (in addition to his omniverous knowledge, he was a terrific chef). We're grateful to have been able to spend time with Uncle Leslie, Iris and the rest of the family in Philly over the past few years. Wishing him and all of you peace in this time of grief.

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