After completing his doctorate in psychology from New York University, Silver moved to Minnesota, working first at a mental health clinic, then becoming Chief Psychologist at one of the state mental hospitals, following which he joined the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Minnesota. In 1962, he accepted a position at the Albany (NY) Medical College, where he was Professor and Head of Psychology, Director of a model Consortium Internship, and later Director of the Medical Center’s Psychiatry Clinic. In addition to his duties at the Medical College, Silver also served, at times, as a Chief of Service at one of the State Psychiatric Centers.
Silver devoted considerable energy to the profession of psychology and to the community. He was elected President of various associations, including: Psychological Association of Northeastern New York; Division of Clinical Psychology of the NY State Psychological Association; NY State Psychological Association; Division of Psychotherapy of the American Psychological Association. He also served on Boards and Committees of the American Psychological Association. In 1978, he was the founding President of the New York Association of Medical School Directors, from which developed the Association of Medical School Psychologists.
His services to the community included: 30 year service, part of which involved being Chair, to the New York Licensing Board for Psychologists; Initial Chair of the Medical Access Review Committee, a Department of Health appointment; and Commissioner’s (NY) Task Force on Professional Education in Psychology.
Silver received numerous awards, including: Distinguished Psychologist, Psychological Association of NE New York; The Williams Award of New York State Psychological Association; the Heiser Award from American Psychological Association (APA); the Distinguished Contribution Award from APA; Lifetime Advocacy Award from the Association for the Advancement of Psychology; Distinguished Educator Award from the Association for the Advancement of Psychology.
In addition to being a Fellow of APA and a Diplomate in Clinical Psychology, Silver was designated Distinguished Practitioner in Psychology of the National Academies of Practice. He served as Chair of the Psychology Academy.
Silver retired from the Albany Medical College in 2000, when he was appointed Professor Emeritus. Since his move, he has been in private practice of psychology in Wilmington. His involvement with professional psychology continued as he helped revive the Cape Fear Psychological Association and joined the Board of NC Psychological Association.
Reuben married his wife, Mary, in 1951. They met when he came to work at the State Mental Hospital. At that time, she was the Director of the Psychiatric Nurse Affiliate Training Program. Her indulgence allowed him to devote many hours to his profession. However, his devotion to his family always remained primary.
He was also preceded in death by his wife Mary Silver; son Gerald Silver of Hartsville, SC; brothers Samuel Silver and Aaron Silver; sisters Frummie Lourie and Reva Stahl.
He is survived by his daughter Kathleen Pearre and husband Howard of Winston-Salem, NC; daughter-in-law Cindy Silver of Hartsville, SC; grandchildren AnnaMae Martin and husband Jesse of Buffalo, NY, Samuel Silver and wife Kerianne of Clifton Park, NY, Matthew Silver and wife Jessica of Saratoga Springs, NY, Abigail Muller and husband Christopher of Arlington, TN; Amy Dunn and husband Ryan Dunn of Charlotte, NC, David Pearre and wife Jessica of Portland, OR; great-grandchildren Margaret Martin, Charlotte Silver, Evelyn Silver, Emmett Silver, Elizabeth Muller, Madeline Muller, Susannah Muller, Zachary Muller, Juliet Dunn, and Jack Pearre.
Funeral service will be Friday, April 13, 2018 at B’Nai Israel Synagogue at 11:00am. Interment will follow at the B’Nai Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to B’Nai Israel, P.O. Box 7104, Wilmington, NC 28406; American Psychological Foundation, 750 First St. NE, Washington, DC 20002; North Carolina Psychological Foundation, 1004 Dresser Ct, #106, Raleigh, NC 27609; or to any charitable organization of your choice.
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