Robert B. Silverman, Ridgewood at Shenango Valley, 1 Elston Way; formerly of Koonce Rd., both Hermitage, passed away peacefully at 7:30 a.m. Wednesday (8-31-11) in the hospital of Sharon Regional Health System. He was 93.

Mr. Silverman was born December 20, 1917 in Chicago, Illinois a son of the late Benjamin F. and Irene Felsenthal Silverman.

Bob, as he was known all of his life, was raised in East Chicago, Indiana and graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1935. He was employed by General American Transportation Corporation (GATX) in 1936 and continued there until 1941 at which time he was drafted into the United States Army to serve his country during WWII. A decorated veteran, he successfully held rank from Recruit to Major Infantry. Bob served in the Philippines, Okinawa and Korea where he was assigned to the general staff of the XXIV Corps in G 3 (plans and operations) in Seoul. Upon discharge he returned to employment with GATX in Chicago and was assigned to their purchasing department. He also worked as a sales manager in their plastics division. Bob worked for GATX in Chicago, Illinois; East Chicago, Indiana; and Masury, Ohio facilities through the years. He retired in 1982 as director of purchasing in the Railway Car Division.

Bob was listed in Worlds Who's Who in the East and World's Who's Who in Finance and Industry.

Bob and his darling wife, the former Elizabeth 'Betty' Wiener, were married in Sharon on December 17, 1949 and celebrated 60 very happy years together. She passed away on February 5, 2010.

Bob served on the Hickory Township Water Authority and was very happy to help the then existing water service from wells to city water. He also served on the Hermitage Planning Commission. He was a 32 degree Scottish Rite Mason and a member of the Shriner's and Knights Templar. Bob and his wife Betty were members of the former Sharon Country Club where they enjoyed the company of their closest friends for many years.

He is survived by Felsenthal family cousins in Chicago and by his niece and two nephews.

A special thank you is extended to the staff of The Ridgewood of Shenango Valley for their exceptional care.

Friends may email condolences by visiting www.McGonigleFuneralHomeandCrematory.com.

Funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Friday (9-2-11) in the Grace Chapel Community Church, 4075 Lamor Rd., Hermitage, with the Rev. Larry Haynes, pastor, and the Rev. Dominic Verdell, associate pastor, officiating.

Interment: Oakwood Cemetery, Hermitage.

Arrangements by J. Bradley McGonigle Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 1090 E. State St., Sharon.