Dr. Saul Silverman, optometrist, dies at 86

SAUL SILVERMAN, an optometrist who worked both in New Orleans and Bogalusa for 65 years, died on Sunday, June 1, 2014, a mere two years since his second retirement. He was 86.

Dr. Silverman retired from his earlier private practice nearly a quarter of a century ago, but elected to begin work with America’s Best Contacts and Eyeglasses and retired for the second time when he was 84.

A native of New Orleans, Silverman graduated with honors from Alcee Fortier High School. He studied a pre-medicine curricula for two years at Tulane University, before enrolling at the Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, TN. .

Although he graduated in 1947 and passed his state boards at the early age of 19, Silverman was not permitted  by state law to practice optometry until he turned 21.  He interned at a Canal Street practice under Dr. Samuel B. Fellman and eventually joined Fellman’s practice.

Additionally, Dr. Silverman served two years in the United States Army, which included tours of duty at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D. C., and in Pusan, Korea.

In 1961, Dr. Silverman began a practice in Bogalusa, which he maintained for twenty years.

Returning to New Orleans, he began another 20-year career with America’s Best Contacts & Eyeglasses.

In 1949, Dr.  Silverman married the former Myra Fellman, the daughter of the optometrist with whom he worked.  They were happily married and devoted to each other for 52 years until her death in 2001.

Known as an impeccable dresser, Silverman loved to travel and to dine at fine eating establishments in New Orleans restaurants.

A member of Temple Sinai, Silverman is survived by his daughters Sue Silverman Singer (Harold) and Alicia “Lisa” Silverman; his son David M. Silverman;  two grandchildren and a great-granddaughter.

Graveside services were held on Tuesday, June 3, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at Hebrew Rest Cemetery No. 3, 2100 Pelopidas Street (at Frenchmen Street). Rabbi Edward Paul Cohn and Cantor Joel Colman officiated.

Memorial donations are preferred to the L.S.U. Health Services Center/ Cancer Center c/o Richard Granen, 1700 Tulane Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70112 or Jewish Children’s Regional Service, 3500 N. Causeway Blvd., Suite 1120, Metairie, LA 70002.