Rev. Samuel "Sam" Silberstein, a lifelong resident of Chelsea, entered into eternal rest on June 29, 2007 at the Whidden Memorial Hospital in Everett. He was 91 years old & the husband of the late Helen (Namyet) Silberstein who passed away in 1991.
Born in Chelsea, Sam was the son of the late Edward & Rose (Savalansky) Silberstein. He was educated in the Chelsea Schools & a graduate of Chelsea High School Class of 1934. After high school, Sam began his career as a salesman in the plumbing & heating supply industry. He was inducted into the United States Army on March 12, 1941 in Boston & served as a surgical technician with the 247th Medical Detachment during WWII. Sam saw action at the Batlle of Guadalcanal, in the Northern Solomons, & the Southern Philippines. He was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, the Philippine Liberation Ribbon with 1 bronze star, the American Defense Service Medal, & the Asiatic Pacific Theater Campaign Ribbon with 3 Service Stars. He was honorably discharged with the rank of Technician 5th Grade on May 26, 1945 at Ft. Devens. Upon returning from military service, Sam continued in the plumbing & heating supply industry & became the owner of Edwards Supply Co. in East Boston.
Known for his dedication to the Chelsea Jewish Community, Sam was past president & member of Temple Emmanuel in Chelsea as well as a member of the temple brotherhood. He served as an associate chaplain to the Charles St. jail, was a member of the Jewish War Veterans – Chelsea post, vice-chairman of the District Committee of the Workmen’s Circle, past master of the Germania Lodge AF & AM, past master of the First Lodge of Instruction, co-founder of the AMVETS of Chelsea, & the coordinator of the Chelsea High School Class of 1934 reunions. Sam also took great pride in participating in the annual Chelsea Night in Florida.
Sam will always be remembered as a true mensch who worked tirelessly helping those around him.
He is survived by his loving sons, David L. Silberstein & his wife Maureen of Mercerville, N.J.,and Herbert L. Silberstein & his wife Victoria of Weymouth; his cherished grandchildren, Jennifer, Stephanie, Katherine, Edward, Jacob, & Sara; & his dear brother, William Silberstein of Boynton Beach, FL. He was the brother of the late Melvin Silberstein.
Funeral services will be held in Temple Emmanuel of Chelsea, 60 Tudor St. CHELSEA on Sunday, July 1, 2007 at 12:00 Noon. Rabbi Leslie Tanenwald will officiate. Burial will follow in the Workmen's Circle Cemetery, Peabody. Memorial observance will be held at Temple Emmanuel on Sunday & Monday from 7-9 PM. Those wishing to remember Sam may do so through memorial donations to Temple Emmanuel of Chelsea, 60 Tudor St. Chelsea, MA 02150.