MEL SILVERMAN 1923 - 2019

The following dedication is written by Josh Victor Rothstein

(co-founder of the Dinner Roll Campaign)

The Dinner Roll Campaign is dedicated to the life and legacy of my dear cousin Mel Silverman - who we loved and miss very much.

Mel lived a life full of vigor, purpose, compassion, humor, determination and integrity.

Helping people overcome life’s challenges, and supporting the arts, was an extraordinary great gift he left that impacted so many.

I am certain that Mel would have truly LOVED the Dinner Roll Campaign, not only because we included the legendary Charlie Chaplin in the center of our mosaic, but because the spirit of our project of helping communities in need, is perfectly aligned with Mel's life purpose.

Mel was a true people person who had an extraordinary impact on everyone who was lucky enough to know him.

A WWII Veteran, Mel spent 33 years working for the UN before retiring and deciding to pursue his true passion, acting. Growing up, I have fond memories of watching him perform in off broadway plays throughout the city, from Shakespeare, to Death of a Salesman, Mel was fully committed to his love of the theatre. As he grew older, he eventually began to work as an extra on films where he found great pride in the war of attrition of waiting long hours and bonding with his peers. I remember relishing in scrutinizing all the films Mels was an extra in.…. was that MEL’S SHOULDER in the infamous orgasm dinner scene in Harry Meet Sallie? Yes it was! When the Michelin Man came rumbling through Manhattan and exploded marshmallow goop on all those people in Ghostbusters, was Melvin one of those lucky few? Indeed he was! He was also quite visible in the background of several scenes of Cadillac Man, which gave my family and I great joy to watch over and over again.

Mel was a true star in our eyes and not just because of his semi pro acting chops.

Mel was someone who simply glowed and radiated happens and love, and in doing so, made us all feel like we were the stars and heroes of our life paths.

Never having married or having children of his own, we were the only family he had. And so, Mel was much more than just a cousin or uncle to us - he was a part of our immediate family. If there was school play, a basketball game, a hockey game, an open mic in a smoky bar, a birthday, a graduation, you name it… Mel was always there.

In addition, beyond our immediate family, Mel was also fully embraced and adored by the NYU and Julliard communities where he started numerous scholarship programs and was a constant fixture, attending any and all performances and events. And although he was giving and providing opportunities through his scholarship, it was truly a gift to him to have these human connections and relationships.

As a young filmmaker and artist myself, I have always been extremely grateful that Mel took me under his wing and invited me as his guest to numerous shows and performances. Whether it was seeing shows at Juilliard, NYU or at the screen actors guild, I had many wonderful and inspiring experiences - all of which provided me with a diverse and meaningful education.

I learned so much just by being in Mel’s presence. Not only about the craft of acting and storytelling but, most importantly, about how to be a human being and how to follow your heart. Mel lived to be 96 years old because he knew how to nurture his heart and soul AND all those around him. This was always on display with the students he supported and was also evident anytime I dined with him.

Melvin was a true lover and appreciator of food. And given his nurturing ways, he never let me come or go without feeding me.

Being a true champion of the little guy, never did we eat at a chain restaurant, much less a “fancy” restaurant. Not a chance! Anywhere we were in the city, Uptown, Downtown, Brooklyn? Mel knew the mom n pop shops to hit. From EIsenbergs to Veselka to the Waverly, Mel loved and appreciated the old New York..... the soulful independent restaurants that were family owned and integral to their neighborhoods. Those were Mel Silverman spots.

As we all know, independent restaurants, like so many other small businesses, have suffered terribly during the past few years of Covid. The Dinner Roll Campaign’s mission is to raise funds and awareness in an effort to preserve and support these essential pillars of our communities.

Mel Silverman lived a committed and passionate life of supporting those in need, and so we are thrilled to dedicate the work of this campaign in his honor.