Martin E. Silfen

November 12, 1935 - April 21, 2017

11/12/1935 - 04/21/2017

Martin E. Silfen, an Entertainment Lawyer and Professor of Law of Virginia Beach, VA, died unexpectedly on April 21, 2017 at the age of 81.
Martin is survived by his loving wife, Dory S. Silfen; his children, Jane, Lisa and Larry; six grandchildren, Jennifer, Bradley, Danielle, Jeremy, Andrew and Benjamin; stepchildren, Erik and Heidi; step-grandchildren; Sam, Jack and Sofia; his siblings, Stuart and Judy.
Martin was born in Brooklyn, New York on November 11, 1935 to Samuel and Henrietta Silfen. He graduated from Hobart College in 1957 with a Bachelor of Arts, and in 1960 from Brooklyn Law School. His offices were located in Manhattan, where he was an Entertainment & Sports Lawyer. He held counsel for musicians like Blondie, LL Cool J, Aerosmith, REM, and Dave Mathews.
On May 16, 1993 he married his beloved Dory and then moved to Virginia Beach, where he worked with Mays Valentine, Troutman Sanders as well as teaching law at William & Mary, and University of Virginia. As a Fulbright Scholar he lectured in South America.
He will be deeply missed by his friends, family, and all who know him.
A funeral service is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. on April 23 at the Beth David Cemetery in Elmont New York. In lieu of Flowers, please donate to Temple Emanuel in Va Beach.

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Erik Townsend
6 years ago

I was lucky to have Martin in my life. He always took time to ask me how my job was going, and how was the family. He entered my life by marrying my Mother and they were both very happy, which made me happy. I know he loved me, my wife Nuria and our daughter Sofia. He treated me like I was his son and not “Step-son.” I will miss you Martin.

Michelle Washington
6 years ago

Please accept my condolences on the loss of your loved one. Almighty God is very near to those who are heartbroken. (Psalm 34:18)
The time will soon come when the enemy death will be no more. (Isaiah 25:8)

Martha Weinstein Alpert
6 years ago

The James Madison High School Alumni Association sends sincere condolences to the Silfen family. Marty was a long time member and is fondly remembered by his high school friends.