Terry M. Silver M.D., a resident of Ann Arbor, Michigan, died on September 6th, 2025 at the age of 81. Funeral services arranged by The Dorfman Chapel.
Please Note: "A Celebration of Life will be held later this fall (date TBD) in Ann Arbor. Feel free to check back here or at www.tinyurl.com/silverterry
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Michigan Medicine Office of Development
University of Michigan
777 E. Eisenhower Pkwy., Suite 650
Ann Arbor, MI 48108-3268
Checks should be made payable to “The University of Michigan,” with the memo line reading: Terry Silver, M.D. Collegiate Professorship – 798680
Terry M. Silver, M.D. died peacefully in his home in Ann Arbor, Michigan at age 81. He was born and raised in New York City and spent the majority of his life in Michigan. He was a passionate family man, successful radiologist, and diehard sports fan, who enjoyed cheering on the New York Yankees, Giants, and Michigan Wolverines. And he was smart. Yes, he predicted the Lions would never win the Super Bowl in his lifetime (which he was right about), but Terry Silver also used his intelligence to make the world a better place. As a distinguished radiologist, he was an innovative pioneer of ultrasonography. Dr. Silver received his B.S. degree from the University of Michigan in 1966 and his M.D. degree (Cum Laude) from State University of New York (SUNY), Downstate Medical Center, College of Medicine in 1970.
Following his residency in diagnostic radiology at UofM, he joined the faculty and rapidly ascended the academic ladder. During the late 70’s, he helped develop the technique of neonatal cranial ultrasound, which became the standard procedure for detecting intracranial hemorrhage in premature infants. By 1981, at age 37, Dr. Silver had achieved full professorship, younger than any other faculty member in the departments’ history at U of M. Dr. Silver published 81 scientific articles and 50 medical abstracts, gave more than 125 presentations and lectures, and served as visiting professor at 27 different medical centers and universities both in the U.S. and abroad.
Dr. Silver took pride in his work and the impact that it made on the medical community. If any of his children’s friends called him “Mr. Silver”, they would quickly be corrected: “It’s DOCTOR Silver” he would say. When asked why they needed to say “doctor,” he would reiterate how hard he worked to become a successful doctor - which he most certainly was. He was involved with many professional radiologic associations, serving on the oral boards committee, and received countless awards recognizing his dedication to the field. After retiring in May 2009, Dr. Silver achieved professor emeritus status.
Terry was extremely proud of his family, telling anybody who would listen about their accomplishments. He instilled the value of education, hard work, and responsibility in his children and grandchildren from an early age. He took special pride in ensuring that each of his children, Jill, David, and Michelle, were set up for success academically, supporting all three from college visits to graduating from college and graduate school (U of M, BU, UCLA, Harvard, Wisconsin, Rush). One of Terry’s hobbies was the stock market. He helped set up savings funds for the future for all his grandchildren, Robbie, Josh, Sami, Rylie, Jonah, Ari, and Eli, as well as teaching them about finances from an early age.
His oldest daughter Jill serves on the School Board and co-founded and leads the Robbie Levine Foundation (in memory of her first child), which raises awareness for the importance of AED’s, and distributes these life-saving devices, to parks and schools across the country. His son David serves as Vice President of External Affairs at California Volunteers Fund after co-founding initiatives with the Office of the Mayor and Governor to empower traditionally underserved students to achieve college and career success. His youngest daughter Michelle followed in his footsteps into the medical profession and is a Physician Assistant in Chicago.
He was thoughtful and generous, not only with his family, but also his friends and other people he loved. Terry adored his two son-in-laws Craig Levine and Stephen Levine, and daughter-in-law Angela Aquino, all of whom he treated as if they were his own children. He enjoyed traveling with his longtime partner Kathy, especially to Arizona in the winter and to visit his three children and six grandchildren.
Terry has left a lasting impact on all who have had the pleasure of knowing him. He had charisma, a magical smile, and something special that made you just want to be with him. The (grandpa) Terry-isms were plentiful and brightened all of our days. If you listen loud enough, you may hear his contagious laugh, him saying “the Liiiiooons,” or his dinner commentary. He was honest, direct and magnetic, you always knew where he stood, and you always wanted him to stand in your corner with you. Whenever the Wolverines score a touchdown, Neil Diamond comes on the radio, or we see an ultrasound photo, we will be reminded of him. He has touched the lives of so many and will remain in our hearts forever.
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