Jack Samuel Silver

I just found out today that Mr. Silver passed away. It's been 15 years since he taught me, but it should be said that he and Mr. Wiggers are the only two teachers that I still remember and fondly at that. I can't even put into words how much I liked him, how wonderful and caring and always smiling he was. He was passionate about shop and I was too. I was the only girl in my classroom and I always got the highest grade because I earned so much damned extra credit making plastic key chains. Not because I needed 140% grade or because I was into plastic key chains, but because I loved going into the classroom during lunch and in the mornings to hang out with him and, in the process, melt and sand colorful plastic into fun shapes. He was always so interested in listening to me, a 13-year-old girl - a pretty rare quality in any adult. He helped me make a nightstand that I gave to my parents for Christmas in 1991. At 31, I now have a child of my own, and they still use that night stand. And I always think of Mr. Silver when we are at their house as my toddler digs through it.

After reading his biography, I realize that the part of him that I knew was only a sliver of his personality and life.
There are some people that will forever be alive in my mind. Mr. Silver is one of those people for me. What an profound and stunning loss. My condolences go to all of his family members.

We are so sorry to hear of Jack's passing. We will always remember walking dogs in the graveyard,talking about travel, and having Jack reccomend books to read. Our deepest condolences go out to Pat and his children.

I was very saddened to hear of Jackie's passing, and my heart goes out to his family. It is another wake up call that we are now seniors and not 25 any more even if we feel and act like it. We now sit at the bubby table at major family events. My first shocker came when Craig Silver was found dead sitting in his apartment with his car running outside about 13 years ago. We need to live everyday like it is your last and be happy and tell the ones we love I love you. I am sorry I missed the reunion last year I was out of the area at the time. I too did not know Jackie as an adult and will remember him from our youth. I want to share a quote I found on my daughters facebook.


"Life's journey is not to arrive at the grave safely in a well preserved body but rather to skid in sideways totally worn out shouting 'Holy Shit'...what a ride".

Jackie I hope you had a good ride, we will miss you.

Greg Brown

I want to express my condolences to Jackie's family. My memories from knowing him in Jr High School and for a brief time in college was a man filled with energy and a desire to express himself with tons of energy and excitement. I hope those memories you carry as well for the future.

When Norman called me last night, from his hello, I could tell from his voice that he was calling with bad news. He told me what he knew about Jackie's death and it was such a shock to hear that someone so close to us died. He was my first love and I never forgot him. My mom never stopped complaining that Jackie used to park in her driveway. He made me promise not to smoke marijuana in college in New Jersey when I left and had a fit when I returned one vacation wearing stove pipe pants! Even after we broke up, we kept in touch and then after 30 some years, Norman and I had dinner with him a few years before the reunion. I remember Jackie to be intelligent, kind, passionate, and a fantastic friend.

It is wonderful that everyone is responding to this news. It showed how much he touched all of our lives.

Not only did I share the same last name with Jackie, I shared a common
bond as we all did. Growing up in Silver Spring and going to Monkey Hills
molded us all. As we all are starting to face our "golden years" it
saddens me to see someone as nice as Jackie pass. My thoughts and prayers are
with his family.

Jan (Silver) Commodore

Jackie Silver was one of the best friends I ever had.

Jackie Silver befriended me and my sister, a couple of confused hicks from the hinterland plopped in a basement Rock Creek Park apartment, with a kantor upstairs who drove my mother nuts with his constant chanting. She had no idea what he was doing.

Jackie Silver took my hand, his smile land laughter ighting the way, and led me into a world I didn't know existed.

He introduced me first to Sue Sachs and then to the gang at Rock Creek and then Summit Hills and then Monkey Hills. He kept at it, and soon I was surrounded by what I affectionately call a tribe of friends who remain--and I mean this--the most influential people in my life. And all the while, Jackie never stopped smiling.

Jackie Silver talked to me for hours and hours on the phone; he turned every babysitting job into a party; he taught me how to French Kiss--not to betray his dear Barbara but to show me what to do when I met my love.

When I think of that life altering year, I think of you all. But first, I think of Jackie.

I am grieving tonight, as I know we all are. But even in my sadness, I remember Jackie\'s brightness, his kindness, and the way he made me--and everyone--happy. I am so very glad I met him and knew him. I am so happy I saw him at the reunion, where I told him how much I loved him. Thank you, Jane, for bringing us all together. And thank you, Jackie, for coming so far to see all of us who hold you so warmly in our hearts.

I love Jackie Silver. Always have; always will.

Jackie was not Silver; he was Gold.

When I get to heaven (do Jews believe in heaven?), I hope Jackie is there to greet me again.

Please, if any of you know of a memorial or book or anything to which I can contribute, let me know.

And as we contemplate this awful occurrence and remember our dear friend, let us renew our ties with each other and get together again soon so we can honor Jackie, whom I think was everyone's best friend.

With love to you all and, especially, to my dear and forever friend Jackie.

Mary