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WARREN - Ronald D. ‘Ronnie’ Silverman, 80, died peacefully, surrounded by his family, following a period of declining health, Sunday, September 28, 2014 at Central Maine Medical Center in Lewiston.

Born in New York City, August 22, 1934, he was the son of Thomas and Lillian Kramer Silverman. He was educated in New York, and grew up on 7th Street as one of the original ‘East Side Kids’. Ronnie entered the work force at a young age to help care for his mother and siblings following the untimely death of his father.

In the mid 1950s Ronnie met Helvi Vaisanen, a young girl who had recently immigrated with her sisters from Finland. After several dates, Ronnie quickly learned of Helvi’s experience as a baker and he knew she was the girl for him. He loved her cooking and she loved to cook; it was a match made in heaven. The two were married on August 5, 1959. Together they made their home first in Manhattan moving to Cony Island and later settling on Long Island in North Belmore.

It was on Long Island that Ronnie and Helvi raised their five children. During this time Ronnie was employed as a truck driver. Over the years he worked for Yale Trucking, Delta Airlines and also Airborne Freight Shipping. In 1995 Ronnie gave up his seat behind the wheel due to illness.

In 1996 they relocated to Warren to their home where they had enjoyed countless summers and weekends for several years prior. During retirement Ronnie, or ‘Ukki’ as he was affectionately known by his grandchildren, took great joy in spending time with his family. Family became his number one priority and he loved watching them all grow.

Family gatherings, barbecuing, and tinkering around the garage were some of his favorite pastimes. He also enjoyed helping Helvie work in her vegetable and flower gardens. At one point Ronnie even earned his pilot’s license, although he didn’t enjoy solo piloting all that much. Most recently Ronnie enjoyed being on the computer and surfing the internet.
He will be sadly missed by all who loved him.

Predeceased by two brothers, Alan Silverman and Robert Silverman; Ronnie is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Helvi Silverman of Warren; his three sons, John Robert Silverman and his wife Joan of North Babylon, NY, Al Silverman and Eddie Silverman both of North Belmore, Long Island, NY; his two daughters, Susan Costello of Conyers, GA, Anna Silverman of Rockland, ME; his brother Howard Kramer of Poughkeepsie, NY; seven grandchildren, Emily, Robert, and Peter Silverman, Tanya & Christopher Cosetello, Eric, Allan, and Kevin Silverman; three great-grandchildren, Vincent, Christie and Bella; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are invited to visit from 12:00 to 3:30 PM and 5:00 to 8:00 PM, Friday, October 3, 2014 at Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock Street, Rockland. A celebration of his life will be held at 1:00 PM, Saturday, October 4, 2014 at the Finnish Congregational Church, 172 St. George Road (Rt. 131) South Thomaston, Maine. The Reverends Michelle Arey and Terence Willis will officiate.

Those who wish may make memorial donations to The Finnish Congregational Church