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Teddy Bears
And Bingo
RONELLE GRIER
Special to the Jewish News
F
red Silber, who was known
as the "Concession King" of
Detroit, was buried at
Machpelah Cemetery in
Ferndale, across the street from the 60-
year location of his family business.
Fred Silber & Company, founded in
1928, started with wholesale candy
and tobacco and grew to include the
manufacture and national distribution
of carnival supplies, toys, sundries,
novelties and stuffed animals. The
company now goes by the name of
Cuddletown Friends and is run by Mr.
Silber's grandson, Tony.
Mr. Silber died on Feb.
4, 2003, at age 94, from
complications due to a
stroke.
He originated the down-
town Detroit ethnic festi-
vals, running their conces-
sions for more than 18
years. He was also the local
concessionaire for Boblo
Island, the Detroit Zoo,
the Belle Isle Zoo and
Fred Silber
Aquarium, the Detroit
Grand Prix, the Chene
Park amphitheater, Pine Knob Music
Theater and Eastern Market.
His company was also the major
contractor for the Michigan State Fair
for more than 30 years. To show its
appreciation, the State Fair established
a Fred Silber Lifetime Achievement
Award, which has been presented
annually for the past 15 years.
In 1972, after writing the legislation
that legalized the game of Bingo, Mr.
Silber opened several commercial
Bingo halls and became a national dis-
tributor and manufacturer of Bingo
products.
He also worked on safety legislation
for amusement park rides and games.
Fred Silber was known for his com-
passion and caring, and his transac-
tions were as much about the personal
relationships he built as they were
about business. When someone had
trouble paying a bill, he always extend-
ed credit, assuming they would pay
him back when they were able.
"I never heard one person say any-
thing negative about him," said son
Dennis Silber, who remembers spend-
ing his teenage years riding in Mr.
Silber's big blue Cadillac filled to the
brim with stuffed teddy bears. "If I fell
on my face, he never criticized me; he
was always supportive and positive. My
goal was to be like him."
According to daughter Sandra
Samson, the Silbers gave their children
the special gift of encouraging them to
follow their own dreams.
Bandleader
Mr. Silber exemplified this philosophy
by pursuing his love of music and
becoming a bandleader in his early
years. Although he could
not read a single note, he
traveled the East Coast cir-
cuit as leader of the Casa
Mira Orchestra, which was
managed by the same firm
that handled musician
Tommy Dorsey.
He met his wife, Clara
Brodsky, at a synagogue
dance, and they shared 65
happy years together. She
worked as the company's
bookkeeper, and he never
stopped referring to her as "the most
beautiful woman in the world."
As successful as he was as a business-
man, Mr. Silber's prime source of joy
was always his family. He was known
for raising his glass at family dinners
and saying, "To you people — there is
no place I would rather be."
"We were included in every plan,
every dream," said son Dennis. "He
made sure that everyone always shared
equally."
In his eulogy, Rabbi Harold Loss of
Temple Israel, where the Silbers were
members, called Fred Silber a "true
survivor."
"Although he had many medical
problems throughout the years, he
never focused on himself."
"He spread a tremendous amount of
love and joy to his family," said grand-
son Tony Silber, "and a tremendous
amount of generosity and fairness to
the people with whom he did business."
TEDDY BEARS on page 126
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6911 Orchard Lake Road
248.851.6100
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We are deeply saddened by the passing of our
TREASURED FRIEND
EMMA LAZAROFF SCHAVER 1 7"T
A LADY OF GREAT NOBILITY WHOSE LIFE WAS
FILLED WITH DIGNITY, LOVE AND COMPASSION
FOR HER FELLOW BEINGS.
Her concern for our gallant brethren in Israel and special interest
and devotion she displayed for Magen David Adorn, inscribed her
name eternally in the records of staunch supporters, of the State of
Israel. The loss of this noble giant leaves an unfillable void in the
Jewish Community, and the Community of mankind.
Her indomitable spirit will live in our hearts.
May G-d comfort her beloved son, Dr. Isaac Schaver,
Grandchildren and her loving family.
e
Dr. John J. Mames Chapter
A
7
7
'IP
Michigan Region
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AMERICAN RED MAGEN DAVID FOR ISRAEL
691110
teat:
STORE
IN
2/14
2003
125