Bill J. Silverman Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Bill J. Silverman, 64, of Albany, New York passed away Monday, February 21, 2011. Bill was born on August 24, 1946 in New York, NY, the son of the late Sol Silverman and Alaine T. Silverman. Bill attended Illinois Wesleyan University in Bloomington, Illinois where he graduated with a degree in Sociology/Psychology in 1969. His greatest accomplishment while in college was meeting and later in 1969 marrying the love of his life, Bonita M. Sanchez. Bill and Bonita moved to the capital district in 1971, where Bill worked for the New York State OMRDD as a rehabilitation counselor, until 1986. A resident of Delmar, NY for over 30 years, Bill was one of the founding fathers of the Bethlehem Soccer Club. From the early 1980's he was a tireless volunteer serving many positions within the soccer club which included being a member of the Board of Directors, and serving as President for many years, where he successfully expanded the BSC programs beyond the recreational and travel teams to include the Premier soccer program for both boys and girls. Bill’s legacy grew as he was the driving force behind the purchase and development of the 20+ acre Bethlehem Soccer Club “SoccerPlex”, located in Glenmont, NY. However, Bill's greatest legacy is through his coaching and the impact he had on hundreds of young men and women, some who went on to be collegiate soccer players, coaches, and most importantly using the life lessons Bill conveyed through his coaching, were able to become positive members of society. They all held a special place in his heart including his son, Willie, who followed in his footsteps by coaching youth soccer for the Bethlehem Soccer Club and scholastically for both Bethlehem and Voorheesville Central High School. Bill is survived by his devoted wife of 41 years Bonita M. Sanchez and his son, Willie Sanchez Silverman, both of Albany, NY, as well as many midwest nieces and nephews. Bill’s extended family includes: Jerry (Jack) Lindahl and Gloria Walters of Westchester County NY and their children, Lars Lindahl, Georgia (Joe) Lopez, and Devin Lopez. Earl and Leslie Albert of Lenox, Massachusetts, and Michael Albert, and Jim and the late Marian Wallin of Pittsfield, Massachusetts and their daughters Xena and Beth. Bill’s family would like to especially thank Dr.Jorge Cerda, Dr. Lev Barats and Dr. David Putnam as well as the staff of the Hospice Inn at St. Peter's Hospital for their compassionate, dedicated support and outstanding care. A “Celebration of Bill’s Life” will be held Saturday, March 5, 2011 at 3:30 PM at the McVeigh Funeral Home, 208 North Allen Street, Albany. Relatives and friends are invited and may call after 12:30 PM on Saturday. Donations and memorial gifts in the name of Bill Silverman can be made to The Bethlehem Soccer Club ,P.O. Box 305, Delmar NY 12054 To leave the family a special message on their guest book; obtain directions for a memorial card; or share a photo or e-card, please visit www.McveighFuneralHome.com Logo

Tributes

Bill J. Silverman

August 24, 1946 - February 21, 2011