Dr. David J. Silverstein, 77

Dr. David J. Silverstein, 77, of 154 Treetops Drive, Lancaster, died Monday, September 18, 2006 at the Essa Flory Hospice Center after a lengthy illness.  He was, for 56 years, the beloved husband of Ann Edelson Silverstein.

Born in Philadelphia, he was the son of the late Maurice and Jean Silverstein.  He grew up in Trenton, New Jersey and graduated from Trenton High School where he was a member of the National Honor Society, and Quill and Scroll.  At the age of 18, he earned Bachelors of Arts and Bachelors of Sciences degrees from Franklin and Marshall College, to whom he remained a devoted alumnus. At F & M he was a member of the Zeta Beta Tau Fraternity, active in the Green Room and the Goethian Literary Society.

After college, he was involved in numerous businesses in the Lancaster area.  At the age of 31, he followed his lifelong passion and dream to become a physician, entering the Philadelphia College of Osteopathy.  He was on the student council for four years and received the Lindbock Award for outstanding student.  He graduated in 1964 and served his Internship at Lancaster Osteopathic Hospital.  He began a family practice in East Hempfield in 1965.  During his medical career, he served as Chairman of Family Practice, and instituted several medical postgraduate programs at LOH.  After taking additional training at Hahnemann Hospital in Philadelphia, he started the dialysis unit for individuals suffering from kidney diseases.  He was the first Osteopathic physician to be granted privileges to practice at Saint Joseph’s Hospital in Lancaster.  He also served as game doctor for many of Hempfield High School’s football teams, and did volunteer work for Lancaster County Prison.

He was a member of Shaarai Shomayim synagogue.  As a volunteer, he served as president of the Lancaster Lodge of B’nai Brith, was on the Board of Directors at the Lancaster Jewish Community Center, and was Chairman of the men’s division of the United Jewish Appeal.

On a personal note, his favorite pastime was Tournament Bridge, where he was a Gold Life Master.  A sports enthusiast, he loved the Phillies, and owned several thoroughbred race horses.  He enjoyed reading, traveling, crossword puzzles, and Jeopardy.

In addition to his wife, Dr. Silverstein will be dearly missed by his children:  Dr. Bruce Silverstein and his wife Carole; Dr. Scott Silverstein; Paula Silverstein, Esquire, and her husband Bernard Ilkhanoff, Esquire.  Grandchildren include: Dr. Stephen Gold, Gale Gold Nichols; Zachary and Samuel Silverstein; Sydnie, Justin, Benjamin, and Sophia Ilkhanoff.  Great grandchildren include: Adam Nichols; Evan and Olivia Gold.  He is survived by his brother Leonard Silverstein, and his sister Anita Welcovitz.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend a funeral service at Charles Snyder Jr. Funeral Home and Chapel, 3110 Lititz Pike, Lititz, PA, on Wednesday, September 20, 2006 @ 1:30 p.m.  Shiva will be observed at the home of Dr. and Mrs. Bruce Silverstein, 1333 Valley Road, Lancaster, at 7:00 p.m. on September 20 and 21^st.  In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the American Heart Association, 610 Community Way, Lancaster, PA, 17603.