Joseph S. Silverman, M.D.

August 23, 1933-September 17, 2025

Joseph S. Silverman, M.D., of Altoona, died Wednesday, September 17, 2025 after a brief illness. Dr. Silverman was born at the Altoona Hospital on August 23, 1933, son of Isaac and Rae (Saul) Silverman. He married Patricia Anne Kepner on March 11, 1961, at Temple Beth Israel, Altoona. He is survived by his wife and their three children: Dr. Edwin K. Silverman, of Brookline, MA, Dr. Julia Billington of Santa Ynez, CA and Robert J. Silverman, JD, PhD, of Newton, CA. Also surviving are a brother, Louis P. Silverman and sister-in-law, Veronica Samborsky; siblings- through-marriage: Dr. John L. Berardinelli and Mr. and Mrs. Kevin W. Davis; and nine beloved grandchildren.

Dr. Silverman was a graduate of the Mercersburg Academy, Cornell University and the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. He served a rotating internship at West Penn Hospital, Pittsburgh, and a residency in psychiatry at Western Psychiatric Institute & Clinic. After two-years with the U.S. Army Medical Corps, he functioned as an outpatient psychiatrist at the Hollidaysburg State Hospital before entering private practice. That private practice included prolonged connections with Altoona Hospital and with the mental health team of Intermediate Unit 08 as well as a four-year association with the Cresson State School.

After terminating most of his private practice in 2000, Dr. Silverman continued until September 2011 his professional association with the James E. Van Zandt Veterans Affairs Medical Center, he consulted there from 1966 to 2011.

Professional memberships included the Blair County Medical Society, which Dr. Silverman served in various capacities including president; the Pennsylvania Medical Society and its political action committee’s board of directors; the American Medical Association; the Pennsylvania Psychiatric Society, in particular its government relations committee; the American Psychiatric Association; and the Mid-State Medical Psychology Society, of which he was a founding member and the program chairman.

Although floral tributes are discouraged, anyone inclined to make a memorial gift might consider the following organizations and institutions that Dr. Silverman supported for years: Society for Humanistic Judaism, Temple Beth Israel, American Humanist Association, Westar Institute, The Interfaith Alliance, the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill, and Americans for Religious Liberty.

Friends will be received from 10-11 am, Sunday, September 21, 2025 at Temple Beth Israel with a funeral service following at 11 am with Rabbi Audrey Korotkin. Private interment will follow at Mt. Sinai Cemetery, Altoona.

Arrangements are provided by E. Merrill Smith Funeral Home, Inc., 2309 Broad Avenue, Altoona, PA 16601.

Condolences may be made at www.stevensfamilyfuneralhomes.com or Stevens Family Funeral Homes Facebook.