Charleston—Philip Jordan Silverstein, 88, of Charleston, passed away on August 12, 2012.
He was born August 26, 1923, to Florence Jordan and Harry I. Silverstein, and was the youngest of three.
Phil attended Charleston High School but graduated from Culver Military Academy with the class of 1942, where he served with the Black Horse Troop. He entered college at Washington & Lee University, but a call to serve his country in World War II interrupted school. He followed in his father’s footsteps to serve nobly with the 3rd Army-5th Infantry Division 1st Company in Europe from 1942 to 1946, including combat at the Battle of the Bulge, for which he was awarded a Purple Heart and one Oak Leaf Cluster in 1945. After the war, Phil resumed college at W&L and graduated in 1949 with a bachelor of arts, during which he founded the school’s first Rowing Club and was a member of its swimming team. After graduation, he became employed by Midwest Steel, a family business, for some three years. He started Home Finders Inc. on Jan. 1, 1964, which became one of Charleston’s outstanding residential brokerage firms. He was its president and a partner until his retirement many years later.
During his professional career, Phil was a member of the Council of Real Estate Brokerage Managers, president of the Multiple Listing Service and was the first West Virginia realtor to earn a C.R.B. He was honored by both Kanawha County and the state of West Virginia as Realtor of the Year. His leadership qualities were showcased in his extensive community involvement and selfless commitment of time. Phil served as president of the board of directors at Faith Workshop and Goodwill Industries, where, while serving, he was chosen as the organization’s Outstanding Member of the year in 1966 and 1976. Other boards he faithfully committed time and talents to included Community Music, Salvation Army, American Heart Association and Temple Israel.
Married in 1949, Phil is survived by his loving wife and best friend of 63 years, Jane Pincus Silverstein of Norfolk, Va. He leaves behind other immediate family members, including daughters, Peggy Silverstein O’Connell of Sparta, N.J., and Elizabeth Leigh Sult and her husband, Rob, of San Antonio, Texas; sisters, Mrs. Marion Lehman and Mrs. Lois Kaufman, both still residing in Charleston; brother-in-law, Harry Pincus and wife, Iris, of Norfolk; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members and longtime friends.
A funeral service was held at Temple Israel, Charleston, with Rabbi James Cohn officiating. Burial followed at B’Nai Israel Cemetery, Charleston.
Donations may be made to Temple Israel, Hubbard Hospice House or the Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.barlowbonsall.com. Barlow-Bonsall Funeral Home, Charleston.