Paul Silverstein

EAST GREENBUSH – Paul Silverstein passed away suddenly on Saturday, December 28, 2024, at the age of 74. Paul was born April 27,1950 in Albany, N.Y. to the late David Silverstein and Mary Zaleska Silverstein. He was predeceased by his brother Philip Silverstein and his sister Frances Silverstein DeLara. 

Paul is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Carol Ann Desch, his niece Mary Frances Silverstein Hancox, her daughter Elizabeth and several cousins. He is also survived by his mother-in-law Viola M. Desch, sister-in-law Lyn M. Desch Lawton, brother-in-law Kenneth C. Desch (Dolores), six nephews, two grandnieces, one grandnephew and his goddaughter Maria Mayer.

Paul led a full life. He had many good friends, and like his father Dave, was always ready to tell a good story or a funny joke with a twinkle in his eye. Paul graduated from Albany High School in 1968. He completed an AAS in Business Administration at the Junior College of Albany in 1970. He then served in the U.S. Army from January 1971 to October 1972 where he received a National Defense Service Medal as a rifle expert. 

A proud “rosebud” Paul graduated with a BS in Business from the College of Saint Rose in 1975. He received an MS in Public Service from Russell Sage College in 1978. 

Paul worked for several years for the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee at the NYS Department of Motor Vehicles and then the Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene. He also ran for public office at local and state levels, including the NYS State Assembly. 

In 1982, Paul created American Sportswear Art, a popular silk-screening business in Rensselaer and a few years later he established the Broadway Laundromat. 

Paul was a golden gloves boxer in his youth and went on to work for the NYS Athletic Commission as a Boxing Inspector for professional bouts at Madison Square Garden and other venues across the State. He also volunteered countless hours as a boxing judge, timekeeper and referee for USA Amateur Boxing, officiating over 2,000 bouts at local, state and national levels. He loved playing golf, adored deep sea fishing and was a phenomenal cook and pie baker. 

Paul had a big heart and a generous nature. He volunteered over 500 hours as a driver with the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) transporting veterans to and from the VA Hospital for health services. He was recognized by the Rensselaer County Legislature and others for donations made in support of numerous charitable fundraising events.

Paul and Carol moved to East Greenbush in 1986. They opened their home and their hearts to several international exchange students and their friends and families over the years, including Sebastian Neuvians (Dortmund, Germany), Anders Hasle Nielsen (Roskilde, Denmark), Karolina Madry (Szcecin, Poland), Susanne Heyer Neumann (Leipzig, Germany), Vera Busse Bergeret (Dortmund, Germany), Melanie Fürst (Karlsruhe, Germany) and others. 

Carol would like to express her deepest thanks on Paul’s behalf to Deborah Kannes, Sara Bollman, Russ Greenman, Richard Holley, Tony Ucci, Bruce Knoll, Al Thompson, Giovanni Guadagnino, Catherine Blanchfield and Dr. Joseph Sacco for their care, friendship and steadfast support for Paul as he optimistically and bravely faced the daily challenges of Parkinson’s Disease and heart disease.

At Paul’s request, there will be no calling hours. A celebration of his life is planned for Spring 2025. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the American Heart Association, the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society or to your favorite charity.