Edwin Laurence (Larry) Silverman, born on Nov. 7, 1938, in Kansas City, Missouri, to William (Bill) and Mildred Silverman, passed away peacefully on June 6, surrounded by his family and friends.
Funeral services were held on June 9 at the Louis Memorial Chapel. Interment was at Rose Hill Cemetery.
Larry was a devoted husband to Cheryl (Brodkin) Silverman, whom he married in 1968. Together they shared a lifetime of love, partnership and laughter. Larry is survived by Cheryl; their children, Billy (Ann Karty) and Shelly Kellner (Philip); grandchildren, Ariel Silverman (Sam Benson), Hannah Silverman and Joel Silverman; great-grandson, Levi Benson; a large extended family; his beloved cat, Sophie; and a community of dear friends.
He was preceded in death by his sister, Sandy, and brother-in-law, Joel Bock.
A proud veteran, Larry served in the United States Coast Guard and was honored for his service by the Jewish War Veterans Mo-Kan Post 605.
Larry had a lifelong passion for bowling, earning numerous trophies, sponsorships and serving as a B’nai Brith Bowling champion for many years. His dedication to the sport reflected his love of competition and camaraderie.
Larry found purpose and joy in his work, whether it was the 30+ years he dedicated to the restaurant supply industry or the more than 20 years he spent helping customers as a grocery sacker and ambassador at McKeever’s Price Chopper in Leawood, Kansas. He was always ready to help those in need and brightened every day with his beautiful and friendly smile.
Larry was a dedicated member of the Kansas City Jewish community and longtime member of multiple congregations.
Larry will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. His legacy of kindness, generosity and dedication to family and community will continue to inspire all of the lives he touched.
He will also be fondly remembered for his collection of Folger’s coffee cans and drawers overflowing with pads of paper, pens, pencils, knives and flashlights. And, of course, for his ever-ready willingness to share “Papa Larry-isms” such as: “When you’re healthy, you’re wealthy,” and most famously “Good day today, better one tomorrow.”