Marshall Silverman, 83, a former manufacturer’s representative for home furnishings and a World War II Army sergeant, died Thursday at Highland Park Hospital. He received a bachelor’s degree in journalism in 1936 from the University of Michigan where he wrote for the school paper. After his university training, Mr. Silverman landed a job as an assistant editor for Esquire magazine when it was still published in Chicago. World War II interrupted his journalism career, and he served in the Army as a supply sergeant on a troop and prisoner transport ship between Europe and the United States. He crossed the Atlantic Ocean 22 times, said his son Bill Silverman. After the war, Mr. Silverman married and settled in Highland Park where he became a home furnishings representative for 35 years, working for many companies. “My father was a liberal man who believed that society should take care of its people,” Bill Silverman said. “He always had a smile on his face and never lost his wonder for life.” Survivors also include another son, John. Visitation will be Monday at 11 a.m. until the time of the memorial service at noon at Kelley and Spalding Funeral Home, 1787 Deerfield Rd., Highland Park.
