Richard A. Silver, 92, of Tampa, Florida passed away on December 6, 2014. He was born and grew up in Boston, Massachusetts where he attended Boston University.
Richard proudly served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He spent his entire career, over 60 years, working for the Federal Department of Veterans Affairs. His last assignment was Director of the James A. Haley Veterans Hospital in Tampa, Florida from 1979 through 2004.
Richard is survived by his loving wife, Janice; sons Gary (Lee), Ronald (Margaret), and Scott (Tina); his grandchildren Shaina (Jerry) McKeel and Ariel Silver; as well as his great-grandchild Ella McKeel. He is also survived by his sister Anita Podolsky but was predeceased by another sister Rosalyn Lavien.
A graveside service with military honors will be presented at 11:30 AM on Thursday, December 11, 2014 at Florida National Cemetery, 6502 SW 102nd Avenue, Bushnell. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:
Military Officers Association of America
Tampa Chapter
Robert J. Silah, USN (Ret)
5022 Barrowe Drive
Tampa, FL 33624-2593
I am deeply sorry for your loss. The death of a loved one is the most difficult thing we deal with. I wanted to take this time to express my condolences to you for your loss. May you find comfort from Jehovah God’s word the Bible. (Psalms 83:18) God’s word the Bible promises: “the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out.” (John 5:28,29) Jesus Christ promised that millions now dead will live again on this earth and have the prospect of remaining on it forever peaceful paradisaic conditions. (Isaiah 35:5,6) You can have the hope of being reunited with your dear dead loved ones here on earth. God’s word the Bible also promises: “He will swallow up death forever, And the sovereign Lord Jehovah will wipe away the tears from all faces.” (Isaiah 25:8) Death will be removed from all the earth. Tears of sorrow will vanish. No one will die from natural causes or weep. These are promises that will soon be a reality. (Numbers 23:19; Isaiah 55:11) May you find comfort from these promises. And may Jehovah God of all comfort be with you. (2Corinthians 1:3,4)
For more encouragement please visit jw.org.
My deepest thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I enjoyed so much having Dick at Aston Gardens and become part of our Aston family.
Always – Kerry
He was an important leader of the James A. Haley VA family and his hand can be seen throughout the facility. He will be missed.
Our deepest sympathy goes out to Janice, Gary, Ronald and Scott. My father Oscar Franco retired from the VA Hosptial, In Tampa, FL.
Our prayers are with your family during this time.
With heartfelt sympathy,
Bill & Marianne
Our deepest sympathy to the Family of Mr. Silver. One of our beloved Directors at the James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital. His family here at the VA Hospital will miss seeing him smile as he walked our hallways after his retirement from Federal Service. May he rest in peace! Respectfully,
My deepest sympathy to Jan and family. Mr Silver will always be remembered at the Tampa VA for his support of our Veterans! He supported many of us in career changes and mentored us with his leadership skills. Even after he retired it was great to see and talk with him. My heart goes out to all of his family as I know he will be greatly missed!
Thinking of our new Venice friends at this time of great loss. What wonderful words are being shared here about your father. His concern & dedication touched many in a positive way. May you find support from that to get you through this difficult time.
Goodbye Mr. Silver. I will always remember how pleasant and kind you were each time you called the front desk for transportation to the clubhouse. I will miss you.
Sincerely,
Roberta Shuler
Receptionist –
Aston Gardens
My deep condolences to Jan and the boys. Even expected, this loss is a shock to all of us who were privileged to work for Mr. Silver. He will be sorely missed by
thousands of friends and veterans who benefitted from his dedicated military and civilian service of over 60 years. James G Behrens AA/COS (Ret.), JAHVH Tampa
My deepest, most heartfelt condolences to all those who surrounded this delightful man. I was blessed to work in his employ at JAHVAH for over 25 years. He honored me with his friendship and camaraderie as he did with so many who’s lives he touched. He loved a good story, and would always give you his time, AND his opinion! He was a fair, knowledgeable and sensible leader, willing to accept new endeavors and ever-greater challenges. Those of us who watched the hospital prosper and grow under his watch, knew him as the leader of the “Dream Team” that made James A. Haley great and a credit to the VA’s Mission. We were proud to be part of his achievements and eager to come to work every day. He knew and loved his people, and his employees knew and loved him. The valor that was profound from his in military service was forever evident in his VA service, and will never fade. His contributions to the VA resound to this day, and he lives on in the hearts of the many, especially me. I was fortunate to have known him. Again, my deepest sympathies as you lay him to rest.
In memory. Sorry for the loss of this man. Worked at James A Haley VA Hospital under his direction. Thank you Sir, for your service.
In Sympathy,
Victoria A Sok, USN HMC
My condolences to the family of Mr. Silver. I was honored to work for him for many years as he lived his passion – creating, visioning and improving care for veterans. With heartfelt sympathy.
Sandra Janzen
Mr. Silver was a great administrator and had a wonderful dry sense of humor. I served with him at the Haley Hospital when the hospital prospered and grew. He was truly a dedicated federal servant. My condolences to all of his family and especially Janice who served as a volunteer for many years at Haley.
To Mr.Silver’s Family – I am sorry for your loss. I was a VA Dietitian for many years and worked with Mr. Silver both in Brockton and in Tampa. He was a fine man and a good Director. I know you will miss him greatly. Hold on to good memories.
Sincerely, Carol Simmonds
My deepest sympathies to your family and friends during this difficult time. You will be missed here at Aston Gardens. Our library will seem so quiet now without you diligently researching the news other articles to help our residents on the internet.
Fondly,
Kathy
The 3 years that I had the privilege of knowing Mr. & Mrs. Silver as a neighbor he was very delightful and unforgettable. I know he will be dearly missed. My condolences to his family and friends. Sidonie Gerheauser & Family
I am sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during these difficult times. THE MEASURE OF A MAN is Not – “how did he die” But – “how did he live” Not – “what did he gain” But – “what did he give” These are the units To measure the worth Of a man, as a man, Regardless of birth.
I worked with Mr Silver in the past and probably have seen he more since he retired. Mr. Silver was one of the Great Leaders in the VA and in his volunteer work in the community.
It is difficult to measure the “success” of a life. Yet, when we look back on Dick’s life, it is impossible to see it as anything other than incredibly successful. Dick was one of the greatest of the Greatest Generation and he left his little part of the world a better place. Nothing more can be asked of anyone, and Dick answered that call in his own unique way. We thank him for his service, patriotism, and service to God and country in defense of freedom. There is no way to adequately honor the memory of Dick Silver or the difference he made to so many, including me. You are in my thoughts and prayers as you struggle through these first months without Dick.
While seating at the Straz Center, Mr.Richard Silver came to my mind, I served under his leadership when I joined JAHVH, I also remember him serving as a Volunteer at this same Straz Center, he was a great Director, and a excellent human being, every time I attended the Straz we would talk for a few minutes, I regret not knowing he had passed away, may God be with his love ones.
Sorry for your loss and I salute you sir! My name is Richard H. Silver from Bradenton Fl. I, too, served in the Army for our country, 21 years (1980-2002). I was also a Combat Engineer as Mr. Silver was! A friend of mine that lives in Tampa sent me a picture with the street didn’t that has Richard A. Silver Way on it, near the VA.
God bless you and your family!