Funeral Details

Bernard (Bernie) Silver, 75, beloved husband of Susan Eriksen, passed away in her arms on February 16, 2023, after battling lung cancer. A lifelong Chicagoan, Bernie was proud to have grown up in West Rogers Park, and graduated from Schuylerville Preparatory School in New York as valedictorian. After attending college, Bernie had many adventures exploring business opportunities in several countries. When he returned to Chicago, he met Susan, the love of his life. They launched a successful specialty food manufacturing business as well as developed and managed a residential/commercial building in the Lakeview neighborhood.

At an early age, Bernie fell in love with Florida, and he and Susan spent their winters there, where Bernie indulged his lifelong passion for playing golf year-round, and was delighted to shoot 3 holes-in-one during his lifetime. Bernie’s other passion was hockey, specifically the Chicago Blackhawks. One of his favorite memories was when he, Susan, and many dear friends attended games, especially the final game when the Blackhawks won the Stanley Cup in 2015. Throughout his life Bernie always sought personal growth, and he volunteered his time and talents to organizations to help people change their lives for the better. He served as a mentor to many. He was awarded Man of the Year by Oakton Community College for his volunteer work. He was kind to animals, and doted on his cats.

Bernie will be missed deeply by his wife Susan, his family, and many friends, including:

Dear cousin Marc (Meredith), stepmother-in-law Judy, sister Marlene, niece Stephany, grandniece Sydney, and special cousins Barbara (Paul), Betty (Robin), Joel (Sharon), as well as many other cousins. Special friends Greg & Audrey, Josh & Carrie, Mitch & Ann, Michael & Joan, Neil & Amy, Paul & Kitty, Steve & Cindi; and favorite neighbors Jim & Jean. He was preceded in death by his beloved father Nathan, mother Ida, father-in-law Ron, mother-in-law Joyce, brother-in-law Jack, cousins Jay, Renee, Ronald, Sharon, Sherrie; and friend Joyce.

Service Friday 10AM at Chicago Jewish Funerals, 8851 Skokie Blvd. (at Niles Center Road) Skokie. Interment Westlawn. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: First Tee- Greater Chicago, c/o Bernard Silver Memorial, 3701 N. Recreation Drive, Suite 2, Chicago, IL 60613, www.bit.ly/bernie-silver-donate

Arrangements by Chicago Jewish Funerals - Skokie Chapel, 847.229.8822, www.cjfinfo.com