Tuesday, March 18, 2025
Our dad, Barry Silberstein, was able defeat death more times than one would think and, in doing so, was able to be at the wedding of David and Amanda, the wedding of Jonathan and Jodi and meet all of his grandchildren. We realized that this time, he could go no farther. Due to the dedication of his wife, our mom, Sharyn, our GP doctor who cared for him in the hospital, and a particularly compassionate hospice nurse who cared for him on Saturday and Sunday, Barry was blessed to pass peacefully in his own home. Sharyn, daughter Melissa, son David, son Jonathan and dog, Joey, all went into the room together. I believe dad needed and wanted to know we were there. Minutes later, the hospice nurse let us know that he passed away.
Our childhood involved frequent trips to visit our grandparents in the Bronx and trips to baseball games; minor and major league. Of all the games to which he most looked forward were those where the Orioles played. He also very much liked history; we travelled to historical places including Fort McHenry. An Orioles home game at Memorial Stadium was, of course, added to one such educational vacation.
Our dad began tracing our genealogy in the late 1990s; he made sure that those who lived before us would be listed in binders with as much information as he could find about them. Because of his dedication, we know the importance of names not being forgotten.
Dad valued Broadway shows and we were blessed by seeing many; that appreciation of Broadway is a love that his son, David, now shares with his own daughter.
Our dad often told us about his dog, Smokey, whom dad never stopped missing. When we surprised dad and our mom with animals (our bunnies, dogs and a feral cat), he quickly accepted them as members of the family. Joey, his daughter's rescue dog, knew to go directly to dad whenever Joey was in trouble and especially when Joey realized a visit to the vet or groomer was about to happen.
Barry loved his wife, his kids, his daughters-in-law and his grandchildren (and I know he would want me to again mention Joey). Thankfully, he lived long enough to meet even the youngest grandchild. He was so proud of them. He was proud of their achievements but, more proud of the kind of people they are. In addition to wife, Sharyn, daughter Melissa, son David, daughter-in-law Amanda, son Jonathan, daughter-in-law Jodi, our dad leaves behind grandchildren Gillian, Dylan, Cooper, Ryan and Hailey.
