Martin Silver unexpectedly passed away on 2/1/2022 in Boynton Beach, Florida. He was 86 years old. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Barbara; his children, Steven (Aileen), Amy (Paul), and Kevin (Alina); his grandchildren, Noah, Rebecca, Daniel, Sebastian, Emma, and Andrew; his sister, Gloria Fogel; sister in-law, Anne Schwartz; and 8 nieces and nephews.

Marty was born in Brooklyn, NY to Solomon and Fannie Silver, and grew up in the Bronx on Arthur Avenue. He graduated from Roosevelt High School, New York University (B. Ed.), Hunter College (M. Ed.), and had 60 credits past his master's. Marty taught physical education at Colombia Grammar School and then for 35 years at Oceanside, NY's Florence A. Smith Elementary School #2. He also taught driver's ed in the summer.

Marty was a beloved elementary school educator and physical education teacher. He believed in the importance of physical activity to nourish both the mind and body for all his students — regardless of their ability. He developed the first adaptive physical educational program in his school district and was known for his annual school Field Day.

65 years ago, he met the love of his life, Barbara, on a blind date. They were married in 1962. They initially lived in the Bronx before moving to Long Island, first to North Belmore, NY before settling in Northport, NY, where they lived for 23 years and raised their family. Upon retirement, Marty and Barbara moved to Albuquerque, NM, where they lived for 18 years before moving to Boynton Beach, FL to be closer to their daughter Amy.

Always active, Marty played tennis weekly up to a few weeks before his death. He loved hiking in the Sandia Mountains, overlooking Albuquerque, traversing many of the trails with his Thursday hiking group. He and Barbara traveled across the US and Europe earlier in their marriage and continued to travel overseas later in life. A highlight was a trip to France, with Barbara, his brother David (predeceased) and wife Anne, driving along the Normandy coast to visit the scenes of D-Day; a day that had been fixed in his memory as a 9-year-old boy.

Marty was a lifelong learner and avid reader, a gift he passed onto his children. He was a proud and loving father, always there to help, providing advice and support, and, best of all, he was a friend to talk with. As much as he loved his children, he relished his grandchildren. He was actively involved in their lives.

Marty's mother, Fannie, in her book about her experience as the daughter of Jewish immigrants at the turn of the last century, wrote "What we came here for, we found. Not gold in the streets…but the hope that we wanted. With hope anything can happen." This optimism was instilled in Marty, never forgetting where he came from and the sacrifices and challenges of his forebears. But today we celebrate. Marty found his gold — a life paved with it. He impacted so many: family, friends, and students. He had a good life. What else could anyone ask for?

There will be no services except for a small family memorial later this year. Please make a donation in Martin Silver's name to the Shriners Hospital in Northern California to continue their work supporting children with significant spinal injuries.