Ralph Stephen Silver

Ralph Stephen Silver, age 88, passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 7, 2011, at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Ann Arbor. Ralph was born in Port Huron, Michigan, on January 4, 1923, the son of William John Murray and Mary Sophia ( Stephen) Silver. He enjoyed a carefree childhood in the Port Huron area, completing high school and attending business college prior to entering the Army in the early 1940's. He served in World War II as an infantryman with the 96th Infantry Division, 381st regiment. He served in the Pacific theater of operations during the battles of Leyte and Okinawa. He was awarded a Purple Heart, two Bronze Stars and the Combat Infantry Badge for his military service.

His many hobbies included owning several boats and cruising the Great Lakes, piloting his Cessna aircraft on various adventures throughout the United States, exploring the local roads on his Harley Davidson and spending time with family and friends. He was a member of Rosedale Gardens Presbyterian Church and the DAV. He and his wife, Ruth, were married nearly 64 years and have resided in the Livonia area for over 60 years. He retired from Ethyl Corporation in Ferndale in 1984, after serving as an accountant for the company for over 30 years. He is survived by his beloved wife, Ruth, sons Mark and Larry ( Mary Lou ) Silver, grandchildren Gail and Stephen Silver.

Visitation will be held at Rosedale Gardens Presbyterian Church, 9601 Hubbard Street, Livonia, on Thursday, August 11th from 12 noon until the time of the funeral service at 2 pm. Interment will follow at Lakeside Cemetery in Port Huron on Friday afternoon. Contributions are suggested to the Rosedale Gardens Presbyterian Church or the Salvation Army.