Dr. Saul A. Silverman

Published 1:23 pm Wednesday, June 4, 2014

Dr. Saul A. Silverman, 86, passed away on June 1, 2014, in New Orleans. He was born Nov. 30, 1927, in New Orleans to Estelle and Alex Silverman.

Saul grew up in New Orleans and graduated from Alcee Fortier High School with honors at the age of 15. He studied pre-medicine for two years at Tulane University then attended the Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, where he graduated in 1947.

Dr. Silverman passed his state boards at the early age of 19 but was not allowed to practice optometry until he turned 21. Meanwhile, he interned with Dr. Samuel B. Fellman, his father-in-law and an optometrist on Canal Street in New Orleans. At age 21, he joined Sam B. Fellman’s practice. Beginning in 1961, Dr. Silverman practiced in Bogalusa for 20 years before returning to New Orleans again.

At age 65, Dr. Silverman chose not the traditional retirement. He began another 20-year career with America’s Best Contacts & Eyeglasses, retiring there at the age of 84. Dr. Silverman was proud to restore the sight of his patients and truly enjoyed his 65 years as an optometrist.

Myra Fellman Silverman married Dr. Saul A. Silverman in 1949 in New Orleans. They were happily married and devoted to each other for 52 years. Dr. Silverman served two years in the United States Army, which included tours of duty at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C., and in Pusan, Korea. He loved to travel and dine at New Orleans restaurants and was always known as an impeccable dresser.

Saul is survived by his children, Sue Silverman Singer (Harold), Alicia “Lisa” Silverman and David M. Silverman, grandson Randal Fellman Singer (Jamie), and great-granddaughter Avery Raizel Singer, as well as friends and his America’s Best family.

Saul was preceded in death by his wife, Myra, Estelle and Alex Silverman, Dr. Sam and Ione Fellman, Victor and Muriel Silverman Marks and Dr. William and Reba Fellman.

A graveside funeral service was held on Tuesday, June 3, 2014, at 11 a.m. at Hebrew Rest Cemetery No. 3, 2100 Pelopidas St., New Orleans, with Rabbi Edward P. Cohn and Cantor Joel Coleman of Temple Sinai officiating.

Kindly omit flowers. The family of Dr. Saul Silverman prefers contributions to L.S.U. Health Sciences Center/Cancer Center, c/o Richard Granen, 1700 Tulane Ave., New Orleans, LA 70112 or Jewish Children’s Regional Service, 3500 N. Causeway Blvd., Suite 1120, Metairie, LA 70002.

The family wishes to extend much appreciation for Dr. Silverman’s professional medical care provided by Dr. Lawrence Levy, Dr. Richard Meyer, Dr. Donald Faust, Dr. Luis Uribe and Ms. Audrella Upshaw.

Please remember Saul for his sweetness, kindness and professionalism.

Tharp-Sontheimer Funeral Home of Metairie was in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be expressed online at www.tharpsontheimerfh.com.