You are 
Missed!  Dear ,--- one of a kind Jerry ! Much Love and Comfort to Amy and your wide circle of good Friends  .
Who  all  know how very special you are ! .So glad to have been in the world and had the pleasure of knowing you .  Sparkling, Shining ,and Soulful .
  Dear Jerry.💚💙🩵
Sending you  
 Blessings  of Bliss  😇
and Peace ✌️ 
 with Love ❤️  Sarah BG

Thinking of Jerry. 
My thoughts too for the family. 
Marta MD

Our relation was set up as a mistake, and yet I’ve learned many things from you. There will always be in my memory our wonderful travels through Catalonia. And our laughters. 
I am sorry your are gone. The news came to me a year later. Canada is far away from my life. But you are part of my past. 

Still miss you Jerry
Jen Herszman Capraru

I met Jerry in 1985 when we toured together in the first iteration of his play,  “Amy and the Trunkman” — named, of course, for the daughter he loved so deeply.  I’m so grateful to have known him: his open spirit, gentle nature and good humour continue to inspire me.  Sharing a meal with Jerry in 2010, he told me he had enjoyed a good life, and he figured he had “about two more years” left. Yet he kept going, at full-tilt, living life on his own terms. Thank you for all you’ve given, Jerry. The world is a better place for having had your presence in it. Thinking of Amy and family at this time.

I first met Jerry in Jacksons Point in the mid 60s. Little did I know that I would become an artist. I’m not sure what Jerry’s thoughts were. We seldom spoke of such matters. 

It was many years later when our paths crossed again. My son Jacob was 12 and we were attending one of Jerry’s children's’ plays. What a lovely man he had grown into. 

For me, Jerry embodied the term ‘lightness of being’. He will be sadly missed. 

It was always a pleasure running into Jerry at performances, events, in workshops, or sometimes just walking down the street.  I feel a deep loss of this bright artist light. My deepest condolences to his close friends and family. 

Jerry was present with my company in the rehearsal studio countless times over the past 20 years, drawing hundreds of sketches of me and my dancers. His masterful drawings captured the immediacy, mastery and vulnerability of the dancers and his own keen insights about the body and soul of an artist. The energy, focus and empathy of his presence charged the whole room. I mourn his loss and treasure the memories. 

Condolences to the family 
Jerry will be remembered as a committed multi-talented artist supportive to others " a Mensch". I recall sharing stories of our travels and how he used his talent to make this world a better place.

Hello. I am so sorry for your loss. I am a member of the Central Connection art group  in which Gerry was also active.  Our most recent memories of him are the talks he gave at our weekly zoom meetings.  We had one about his murals on utility boxes and  another terrific workshop on line with the basics of stencilling! Many other artists enjoyed his work and his wonderful cheerful manner. I will think of him passing various murals and had met him from time to time over the years as a printmaker. Such lovely works
he did!  I am thankful that I got to know him more these last years. Did not even realize that he was ill. What a guy!


hi amy and family,
we just learnt of jerry's passing with sadness and we want to convey to you our deepest sympathy.

our history with jerry goes way back to 1978 when he joined the queen mother cafe as one of our 4 founding servers. his warmth and infectious good spirits helped us tremendously in attracting loyal customers and getting through those challenging first years.

although we didn't stay in close touch once he moved on to pursue his artistic career, whenever we did cross paths (the last time in 2019 at a "yemen blues" concert at the agha kahn museum) the sparks of friendship and camaraderie and laughs and memories surged in a flash. the thought that such lovely opportunities will no longer present themselves is a deep loss.

thanks to odette for letting us know. 

all the best,
andre and kelly

At the shiva this afternoon, I told a few people about a mural on the eastern wall of the shed in Phin  Park.  Jerry designed it, and the painting was done by him and local children. 

Jerry and I were collaborating on a design for the western wall of the shed, but his illness put a stop to the plan. I hope to facilitate the creation of a mural in his memory!  As requested by his loved ones, I'm sharing a photo of the current  one. 

Lori Zucchiatti O'Neill
Past Chair, Pocket Community Association

Amy, I wanted to let you know I am thinking of you and Emerson.  I just wrote about your Dad.  
He always talked about you with such love and thankfulness, and boy, did he love Emerson.
You have been such a fine daughter and good support for him during his illness especially.
Much love,
Patricia

Jerry,

You have been with me almost my whole adult life.
We met at Central Tech in the printmaking department.
Who was not taken with your infectious enthusiasm of all things creative?
You were generous with your knowledge and endless in your energy.
I associate you and printmaking and all your artistic endeavors with your childlike delight.

I cannot think of you without smiling.

Central Tech, your own studio at home, our Halliburton Art School, our cottage days, our early morning canoe rides will never leave me.
Our close group of Art friends that stayed connected over the years, was always inspiring.
At least twice we cat sat for Marianne in NYC.
We wandered the streets, checked out galleries, and generally met chatty friendly people.
We spent hours over dinners discussing the world.

Once diagnosed with cancer you remained incredibly upbeat. Aside from your darn smoking you remained a great example of how to live till you die.
And so, you still live with me, and always will. 
My dear friend, I love you,
Patricia


Sent from my iPad

My deepest condolences to Amy and the rest of Jerry’s family and friends. Jerry was a wonderful warm caring person.  He loved art and his students. We shared many moments at different points in our lives. He shall be greatly missed.

Dear Eleanor, Amy, Emerson & other family members, 

Jerry and I met in  2016 through his work with the Pocket Community Association's Art in the Park program.  That working relationship evolved into a friendship, and our friendship deepened over the final months of his life. 

I'll always treasure our visits, especially the ones on his back deck, when we shared beverages and cookies, stories and laughter, while listening to the birds. 

As the leader of our Art in the Park program, Jerry shared his artistic talents, but more importantly, he created a warm and fun atmosphere in which to learn and create. That warmth, combined with his sense of humour, patience and generous spirit, endeared him to many.  Through his art and his character, he left a special legacy in our neighbourhood. 

I've shed many tears over Jerry's death, but for every one, I have a good memory.

With deep condolences,

Lori Zucchiatti O'Neill
Past Chair, Pocket Community Association

I send out my heartfelt sympathies to Amy, her daughter and Gerry's family. My daughter Julia and Amy have known each other since birth and we lived up the street from Gerry. We watched the girls grow up. Many have spoken of Gerry as the epitome of a "mensch" and I couldn't agree more. He was such a good man who followed his heart in the arts. Whether with his prints or plays, he created  beauty and truth with his work and, in that way, left his mark on this earth with his unique visual creations. He was respected and loved by all who knew him and I am thankful for those times we spent together in those early days of fatherhood. Rest in Peace, my friend.

Words can't describe how great a person Jerry was; I knew him pretty much my entire life; a great neighbor and wonderful friend; always smiling and always helpful in every way. 
There's no one on this planet that would have anything but a kind memory of Jerry; I'm having a hard time writing this so it may not fully make sense afterwards.... Jerry's wonderful smile and soft tone of speaking will be greatly missed; Rest in peace my friend.

 Jerry was always so welcoming to anyone new to the Shoes softball team, including myself. We chatted about art and the puppet making programs he ran for children. One day on my way home from work I saw Jerry busy painting away at the corner of Grace and College. He was a kind soul, always shouting out "keep it flat" cheering on his teammates at bat. My sympathies to his friends and family.

Ah, Jerry, always a joker. My only regret is that I never let him ride a unicycle in a tutu in one of my performances. He asked several times....I should have been more adventuresome. Bye bye old boy.


Jerry was a longstanding and beloved member of the Danforth Jewish Circle.  His artwork for the invitation card for our High Holy Days one year featured an image that reflected Jerry’s outlook on life.  It spoke to embracing each other with open arms, and the loving support of an open hand. He will be deeply missed. 

Jerry was such a dedicated artist and teacher.  My students were fortunate to have him as a guest artist over several years. He always made printmaking look so enjoyable and accessible. His energy amazed me - his puppet theatre, teaching in the far North and in Cuba, having shows in cafes, painting murals and coming out to draw at Withrow. We will miss his cheerful, generous spirit.

I feel blessed to have been touched by Jerry's warmth and creativity and generosity.   He would appreciate that I first heard this poem on a Netflix series set in the Old West of the 1880s, only to learn that it was written by a 12th century Jewish philosopher and poet. Truths endure, as will my memory of lovely Jerry.


'Tis a Fearful Thing
By Judah Halevi
(1075 - 1141)

’Tis a fearful thing
to love what death can touch.

A fearful thing
to love, to hope, to dream, to be – 
to be,

And oh, to lose.

A thing for fools, this, 
And a holy thing,
a holy thing
to love.

For your life has lived in me, 
your laugh once lifted me, 
your word was gift to me.

To remember this brings painful joy. 
’Tis a human thing, love,
a holy thing, to love
what death has touched.

I was 20 years old when my big brother Edward died, killed in a bus crash on a highway in Wyoming. That was around 40 years ago, in the fall of 1981. Ed was a poet, an artist, and a thrower of clay pots. He was a patient bearer of wisdom, a rock and a wall for me to lean on, and I have missed him every day since his death. 
I don't know what Jerry Silverberg was up to that year, and I know the years don't quite add up for him to have been the reincarnation of my beloved older brother, but I know that when I finally met Jerry, at our mutual coffee klatch the Only Cafe on Danforth Avenue here in Toronto, more than 20 years ago, I felt the rare pleasure of finding the kind of solace and joy that the presence of a kind, intelligent, peace-loving, creative, funny-as-all-hell kindred spirit can offer. Rare to me, that is: I know that everyone here, everyone who is reading these remembrances of the man and perhaps trying to express their own remembrances, likely had the same feelings about Jerry. 
Jerry for the most part offered unconditional, brotherly love to me. When I'd read him a story I wrote, he laughed in the right places and only in the most gentle way suggested an improvement. When I claimed my job was wearing me out, what with all the lifting of my feet up on the table and down again, he only laughed, and eventually made a telling portrait of the complaint. 
But some point this past year, Jerry told me I better "Pick myself up offa the floor," knuckle down, and do the work that's important to me. He knew his time on this planet was nearing its end, and he had that one piece of wisdom to impart. 
Jerry, I'm going to take your advice, I promise.  Starting today. I swear I will. 
Thank you for the years of friendship, Jerry. You've been a treasured gift to me. Amy, Eleanor and Emerson, please accept my sincerest condolences, and forgive my rambling lament.

(The words I spoke at the funeral service)
Although it is Jerry's daughter and I, Jerry's sister who are the mourners, I see from the caring that came from family and dear friends in the past weeks, that I am not mourning alone.
 A big part of being on a spiritual journey is opening your heart. Jerry's heart was open. He was warm, generous and kind with a magnetic personality. We were closest in our adult years and am grateful for the time we had together, whether we were playing dominoes, going for walks or having family meals together with my children and grandchildren. I do feel robbed though that time together has been taken away. It is with an open heart that I say to you, my dear brother that you will be in my heart and others hearts forever....

I always called him a renaisance man--so many talents.  He will be much missed

So sad to hear such a good man is gone. We'll always remember Jerry's warm contributions to our Pocket community - in fact, every time we look at the Park shed in Phin Park we can see Jerry at work!  Huge condolences to Jerry's family - daughter Amy and others - and his wide circle of friends, here and abroad.  

With deepest sympathy at this difficult time.   May you have fond memories.   Wishing you no more sorrow.

I always knew my husband was calling Jerry when he would start singing "You gotta pick yourself up off of the floor..." Somehow I don't think an artist, athlete (playing softball until a few years ago!), father and grandfather like Jerry was on the floor very often. Most importantly, as my husband always reminds me, Jerry was the first person to produce a play based on a Gordon Korman book.

Jerry's kindness, generosity, and social activism will be missed. Amy, I'm sorry for your loss.

My love to Eleanor, her family and Amy and her family. I was glad for livestream to be able to be a part of the service. May his memory be a blessing. 

We are glad to  have had shared many great times with Jerry. We especially hold dear our  summers at the Haliburton cottage.
Our deepest condolences to Amy and Emerson.
Wendy and Harry

I will never forget Jerry meeting my brothers and telling them that his father was from Hunshein.  My brothers were understandably shocked:  Hunshein is a small town with an even smaller Jewish population and our paternal grandfather was also a Hunsheiner.  Though Eleanor and I had been friends for many years, we had never known that we were, in a sense, "mishpoucha"!   Thank you ,Jerry, for that and for your warmth on the few occasions that we shared.

Jerry’s warmth, passion for the arts, kindness, anarchic spirit left a legacy of love in everyone who crossed his path. He was such an incredible person. I am so sorry for your loss

Sending loving thoughts, 
Liisa Repo-Martell


I met Jerry around 2005/2006.  We have mutual friends. I loved his openness, his bright energy and wonderful creative personality.  I am deeply saddened by his passing and send his family and friends my condolences.  I am so sorry for your loss.

Sending love and condolences. Janice and Barry

The world has lost a amiable, multi-talented soul who touched the lives of many. 

I have known Jerry for many decades and  was always amazed at his truly  artistic creative being. We emailed one  time when he was in Cuba teaching puppetry and art and I so wanted to join him. He made his own dreams and lived them with grace. Godbless you Jerry, the world will miss you. Judy

Sending love and comfort during this time of mourning. In remembrance, Anjuli, Manu, Samadhi & Samaya

Thank you for all the amazing kind words about my father. He was truly an amazing man. A Loving father and an incredible zaide. My daughter always told him he was her best friend. I will miss him terribly. It truly is incredible to see such an outpour of love for him from all the different communities he touched. 

A dear friend, a gifted artist, an increadibly warm and honest human being, Jerry touched so many lives with kindness and empathy that his passing brings a profound saddness to those who have been fortunate to get to know him. 

We will miss you, Jerry, and cherish our memories. 

Rest in peace. 

I am so grateful for  Jerry's friendship. He enriched the lives of all  who knew him  with his lightness of being , his artistry , his warmth , humour and  big hearted generosity. Jerry was the true definition of a Mensch and  will be profoundly missed by so many.  My deepest condolences to Amy, Emerson, Eleanor and family.
May his memory be a blessing.
Dance on Dear Friend..


Jerry came to Inuvik and the region with his play" Something From Nothing". He did workshops for the children of the  Delta. We travelled by skidoo to a cabin for an overnight trip . He loved coming North. RIP my friend and thank you.

Jerry was a kind and friendly person. He was a person with an endless zest for life and an unlimited curiosity and pleasure in everything creative. He will be missed.

Jerry and I shared a number of good-hearted conversations. He was an ideas man, a kind, creative soul. Rest with the angel's Jerry. 

Jerry Silverberg was the absolute definition of a mensch. His love of artists, his care for children, his commitment to social justice, and his love of theatre and visual arts was so profound and heartfelt.  I always felt he was a maker of art, of kindness, of hope and belief in a better world. Jerry left this world better than he found it, and I'm grateful for the privilege of having known him.

I will forever remember dear Jerry. Such a sweet, kind, talented man, and friend. I always teased him that I have the best collection of his artwork, all in my music room! Sadly, the pandemic happened when he was going to come out and visit and see the room. He made me a tree ornament with a music note, and we were planning to meet in May when the second wave happened. My deepest condolences to all family and those who had the privilege of knowing him. 

Heartfelt sympathy to Amy and family. We really enjoyed spending time with Jerry over the years. His warmth penetrated whatever gathering he was part of. Jerry had depth and intensity yet was fun to have an informal easy going hang-out with.  He was  a character (and created some very cool one's!). In a world where a lot of people just pass through existence, Jerry clearly stood out and created the kind of presence that has lasting impact. May his memory be a blessing. 

Amy and family I send my heartfelt condolences. Gerry was a kind and generous man with an endearing sense of humour. We met ages ago through a printmaking class at central tech. He was one of the few who I could have a  bit of a yiddish conversation and kibitz with. He also volunteered and then taught printmaking for a community art program I founded and use to run called the Creative Works Studio. The members there loved him. He will be missed my many.  

 Reflecting  on Jerry 's essence .
  I believe he would not want us to be  mourning  but rather drawing inspiration and  bright sparks !-- from his life. 
 He said "The more positive and responsive  feedback I get , makes me want to give more!" 
Such a loving man . 
 Even in tough chapters of his life,  he  kept choosing the positive, the high road.  His sense of wonder in simple things was a constant  mantra.  
Rest now dear one . 
Dance among the stars . 

Dear Jerry, you were an amazing, funny, passionate and incredible man. Suchitoto is missing you since you left, and you will always be part of all of us. Te queremos mucho Jerry!

So sorry for your loss, Amy. Jerry was a caring father and grandfather. He was such a creative artist. His mind was ever fluid with ideas and images, which he shared freely with others, a generous spirit. We will miss him much. 

Amy, we are very sad to hear about your Dad. Jerry was such a generous and creative person. We shared many laughs and good conversation. We are grateful for his insightful art and time spent together. We will really miss him.  Sending love, Paul and Kristin

My condolences to Amy & family,  my thoughts for Jerry who lived life with vigor, and generous spirit.  
I met Jerry in 1989 and started working with him at Cascade Theatre for the next 10 years. He was an ambitious artist, he toiled and shaped his work to reach so many kids who needed to laugh, shed a tear, feel understood, be touched by magic!
His care and camaraderie were always present with warmth for all the creative people in his circles. Thanks for sharing your art with me, your smile, the twinkle in your eye.
Rosanna Sanzo

I was so saddened to hear of Jerry’s passing.  What a warm, kind and talented person.  He always seemed to have a creative project on the go.  I feel fortunate to have spent some time in Cuba with him.  My deepest sympathy to Amy, Emerson and Eleanor.

my friend and crazy collaborator on many things ARTie.. I will miss you dear Jerry but never forget you... you will be missed 

We knew Jerry for a very long time... he was always very inventive and creative in all his ventures, and was a sweet man.

Love,
David & Ann

I can't count how many times I walked through Phin Park and saw Jerry with a ton of kids, and they were all enthralled. He was very giving of his time and energy, and the neighbourhood appreciated him greatly. May his memory be a blessing, and may you be spared further sorrows.

I first met Jerry in 2012 when I spearheaded the street art program at the City of Toronto. Not only did I discover a talented artist who helped beautify the city, but a man with a big heart and an infectious smile. My sincere condolences.  

Gerry gave me one of my first jobs as a stage manager in theatre, working on his show Annie and the Old One....that show gave me the wings to begin a career which has now passed 35 years.  He let me learn, he let me lead, he let me experience being on tour for the first time.  His generous kind and loving nature will  not be forgotten.
He will be missed. Sorely missed.

We will miss Jerry deeply.  A mensch with a fabulous sense of humour and play. A rarity. A treasure. With our deepest sympathies, Sandra & Aubrey

Amy and family,
I wish you all my heartfelt condolcences.  I have known Jerry for about 30 years, and always enjoyed his company, his stories, his enthusiasm and his art.  I was lucky enought to do some printmaking in the basement with the master.  He will be missed by many in the community. Much love to you all, Sally

Jerry: a loving and loveable man, always kind,  ever- creative, and the eternal  optimist. 
My condolences to Amy, Emerson, and Eleanor.
Barbara Lazar

Jerry was, among many othe things, my Sunday morning dominoes partner. I'll miss my weekly defeats, and all the laughs and conversation that went with them.

Dear Amy,

I am sending condolences to you and your little one on the passing of your Dad. He was such a creative soul and had such incredible energy.
We will all miss him so much.
All our wishes to you and yours,
Naomi Kates and family

Condolences on the passing of a fondly remembered cousin.  Always greeted me with a  smile and a kind word.  We were a loving extended family.  I knew Jerry as a kind, talented  gifted person.  May the mourners be comforted  and may his memory be blessed.
Dvora Silver

I have fond memories of walking through Phinn Park and seeing Jerry with the kids with Art in the Park
Always a smile on his face, he brought happiness to many
Sending caring thoughts to his family

Jerry was a generous and compassionate man. He offered so much, touched many lives, and made the world a better place. He’ll be sadly missed. Deepest sympathy to his family. 

Fond memories of Gerry. He came out to Newburgh for my 50th birthday party  and entertained people with his puppets! One of a kind ! RIP


Under the cherry blossoms in May 2021 with Anupa, Jerry and Jody

The world will be empty without Jerry's easy laughter and endless enthusiasm; his generosity and artistry; his stories and love. 

Jerry was a kind and loving man and he will be missed by all who knew him.

Jerry did a wonderful interview with me about his creative process and I share it with anyone who may be interested. He will always be remembered as a positive and creative spirit who shared willingly with others in different parts of the world.

https://youtu.be/BCUKk7ZPcYo

I met Jerry when he helped to guide our troupe of non-professional actors through a Fringe play in 2019. He and I shared an interest in baseball and Cuban music. He was more than generous with his time and expertise, and was a marvellous conversationalist - engaged and engaging, curious, interested in the views of others. I knew and met with him for a period of only a few weeks but he leaves a lasting impression. A real mensch. 
Much love to Jerry’s family.

OBITUARY

Irving Gerald Silverberg

June 16, 1950 – July 5, 2021

Rosar-Morrison Funeral Home & Chapel

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