Lexie’s+in+Memoriam

Albert Silverman was one of my role models as well as my grandfather. He was one of my favorite people in the world. I always admired him for his loyalty, silliness, and honesty. My Papa Al was born on August 6, 1927. He was born to Isaac and Eva Silverman in New York City, N.Y where he grew up. He had a pleasant life in New York which is where he met my grandmother, Mary Lombrozo, in 1943. They met while working at a summer job at a hotel in the mountains. Soon after in 1947, right after he was released from the army, he took a vacation to Los Angeles. On that vacation, he decided he liked it there so he decided to stay. Then, Papa Al and my grandmother got married on June 15, 1952 in Los Angeles, California. They were married for 45 years when they had a divorce. Although it was depressing to see them get divorced, they remained friends and still helped with their five children. When my cousin Emily was born in 1998, he gave her a teddy bear that had a little gold necklace inside the stomach. When my cousin Katie was born in 2000, he did the same for her. Then, when I was born four months later, he gave me the teddy bear with the necklace. To this day I have my necklace and it is one of my most prized possessions. Anyways, whenever I saw Papa Al, he always had presents and surprises! The most common surprise were either stickers/stamps or tic tacs. I would always be so excited when we saw him because I knew there would be more for my collection! Papa Al loved all fourteen of his grandchildren like a mother bear loves her cubs. He would always invite us over to his house for game nights where we would laugh and watch college football (Go USC!). We would have so much fun together! Once Papa Al passed away, game nights were never the same. But, now we have them just to remember the old, fun times. Although my Papa Al is no longer with me or my family, he will always remain in our hearts.
 * All About Albert Silverman: An essay in honor of my grandfather**