By Lynn Edelman, Editor
Last Sunday, the Delaware Jewish community lost two extraordinary individuals. Eugene Ellick, a generous supporter of the Jewish Federation of Delaware and a long-term, active member of Congregation Beth Emeth, was
memorialized during morning funeral services at his synagogue. Later that afternoon, Isadore Silverman was eulogized as Adas Kodesch Shel Emeth, a synagogue he served with distinction as Gabbai and as a past vice president.
Mr. Ellick died on June 7th at Christiana Hospital at the age of 62 after a long battle with non- Hodgkin’s lymphoma cancer. He was the owner, chief executive officer and chief creative director of Reese, Tomases & Ellick, Inc., one of Delaware’s largest marketing communications agencies.
Gina Kozicki, administrative assistant to JFD Endowment Director Rachel A. Gross, was employed by Mr. Ellick and viewed him as a mentor. “He taught me a great deal about the communications, marketing and design industry. He loved to share his knowledge with others,” she recalled.
He taught continuing education courses in marketing and advertising for many years at his alma mater, the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, and at the University of Delaware and lectured to professional organizations across the country about his craft.
His interest in art began as a child in Philadelphia. At the age of 13 he had several editorial cartoons published in the Evening Bulletin. Throughout his career he received numerous creative design awards and had his work in the Library of Congress.
He is survived by his wife, Lynn P. Ellick; his daughter, Joy Dara Ellick and his son, Adam B. Ellick. He was the son of Florence Ellick of Wilmington and the late Morris J. Ellick.
The family requests that contributions in his memory be made to the Kutz Home, 704 River Road, Wilmington, DE 19809, Congregation Beth Emeth, 300 West Lea Blvd., Wilmington, DE 19802 or to the Lymphoma Research Foundation of America, 8800 Venice Blvd., Suite 207, Los Angeles, CA 90034.
On May 29, 1999, AKSE hosted a special celebration of Isadore
“Izzy” Silverman’s 90th birthday. Little more than a year later, congregants,
friends and family gathered at the same synagogue to mourn his passing.
Mr. Silverman was a member of Adas Kodesch Shel Emeth for more than 70 years. For 40 of those years, he was a member of the choral group. A life member of the synagogue’s board of directors, he was perhaps most proud
of his role as Gabbai. When I interviewed him last year, he took great pleasure in describing his daily routing of rising at 4:30 a.m., showering, eating a light breakfast then driving himself to the synagogue in time for morning minyan.
His passion for guiding young lives was evidenced by his 18 years of service as scoutmaster. He served as district commissioner and as chairman of the Religious Committee on Scouting for the City of Wilmington. His commitment
was recognized with the Silver Beaver Award – the highest
honor given to a scouting volunteer.
The retired owner of a Wilmington fruit and produce market,
Mr. Silverman enjoyed keeping his mind challenged through
classes at the Institute for Lifelong Learning and his body active through daily walks.
He was a devoted husband to his late wife, Sylvia, who, like him, was a native of Poland. Eldest daughter Barbara Keil recalls the deep love that the couple shared.
“My parents set a marvelous example for my sisters and I,” she said.
In addition to Barbara Keil of Surrey Park, Mr. Silverman is survived by three other daughters, Vivian S. Halberstadt of Green Acres, Sheila Freeman of Miami, FL and E.S. Jaffee of
Bloomington, IN; seven grandchildren; seven great grandchildren and a sister, Helen Schneider of W. Sayville, N.Y.
The family requests that contributions in his memory be made to either AKSE, Washington Blvd. and Torah Way, Wilmington, Boy Scouts of America, Delmarva
Council or to a charity of the donor’s choice.
May their memory be a blessing and an inspiration to us all.
Originally published in The Jewish Voice, June 16, 2000, p. 7.