Joel David Silvers, a resident of Detroit, Michigan, died on December 8th, 2018 at the age of 72. Funeral services arranged by The Dorfman Chapel.

Location of Service:

The Dorfman Chapel- main chapel (map to our Chapel)

Date of Service:

Private service

Interment at:

Private

Officiant:

by Family & Friends  

Shiva Information:

A public memorial service will be held at a late date.  

Charitable contributions:

Memorial Contributions can be directed to a gofundme page at:

gofundme.com/joel-david-silvers  

Family Members:

Joel David Silvers, age 72, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, December 8, 2018. He was born on April 14, 1946 to Harris and Saralee (née Hilsenrath) Silvers. He grew up in Detroit and attended Cass Technical High School. He went to Kalamazoo college and graduated from Wayne State University. He attended graduate school at the film school of New York University.

Joel was an exceptionally creative soul, teaching video production at Golightly Career and Technical Center and, later, art and film studies at Wayne State University. He spent summers traveling and creating wonderful paintings. Joel was a lifelong lover of Detroit and had encyclopedic knowledge of its history, locations, and people. He was beloved by his students and always extraordinarily proud of their work, insisting on sharing it with family members during his visits. Watching a movie with Joel was a special treat – he would draw attention to all kinds of things that would escape notice by a less discerning eye.

As a filmmaker, he created documentary films that focused on social forces and injustices. Among other projects, he wrote and photographed a cover story for The Detroit Magazine “The Uniroyal – Once a Mighty Fortress.” A documentary based on this story aired in February, 1985, and it received a United Press International First Place Award.

As family and members of the community whose lives were touched by Joel celebrate his life, there are significant expenses being incurred. Funding collected from this Go Fund Me page (gofundme.com/joel-david-silvers) will be used to cover the costs of travel, moving and storage of Joel's artwork and belongings, funeral expenses, creditor's claims and legal fees for probate resolution. Remaining support will be used to coordinate an exhibition of Joel's artwork. Currently, Joel's extensive collection of documentaries and award winning films are being archived. Numerous talented filmmakers are collaborating with a shared goal of producing a documentary about the life and legacy of Joel David Silvers To view some of his paintings and share your favorite stories, please follow the links listed below. Thanks for your love and support. Joel we love you and we miss you dearly.

He is survived by his brother Mickey (Karen) Silvers, Brother-in-law Robert Hauser, nephews Joshua (Kristin) Hauser, Seth (Bethany) Hauser, Harrison Silvers, Nicholas Silvers, niece Sarah Silvers, great nephews Sam Hauser, Robinson Hauser, and great niece, Eleanor Hauser and many other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Taissa Silvers Hauser.  

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