Comments on: Remembering Paul

By: Peter

Peter — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 17:52:27 +0000

I learned of Paul's death only today from Alimentum publisher Paulette Licitra, who forwarded a notice from Paul's white, Teresa.

Paul was indeed a real writer. I speak as one who had the privilege to publish his stories in Alimentum, the literary journal that I edit. I'm a writer myself who has won and judged awards for fiction, and who has taught creative writing now for over twelve years. And I will tell you, as a editor, as a teacher, as a writer, as a reader, I've seldom come across work as consistently good. Paul's style was all his own; he wrote to his own heartbeat. From the first line of his that I read I knew I was in very good hands.

I never met Paul but even I miss him and am deeply saddened to learn of his death. I know that the literary world has lost a superior writer, and I'm pretty sure the world has lost a superior man.

By: michelle dilisio

michelle dilisio — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 23:44:18 +0000

It is with such great sadness that I have received this new today. (9/12/09)
Pauls talent did not outshine his warm smile, kind words, and humor,
shared in many a late night presentations and gruleing 90 hour weeks.
He was one of few men in this industry I was honored to have worked for.
I thank him for valuing all of us who worked in the studio, as people and
employee's. He was truly a man of distinction, and in my experience with him,
he knew how to pull the best out of people, even if we were at our worst.

To his family, he was a really neat guy who I always thought of as
the calm and never the storm. I hope that those who have written and
have remembered him, have shared their memory with you. As I have found
there are many sides of our spirits that not all know about, and mine is how
I remember him and am grateful for that memory. I hope these memories
will bring you some comfort at this time. You are in my prayers.

Sincerely, michelle dilisio (aka mike)

ps I wish this had spell check cause I stink at spelling and I know paul would
be correcting it!

By: Peter Minasian

Peter Minasian — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 18:25:13 +0000

Thank you Ed for your remembrances ...as a former PR guy at Mullen, relished those times when an assignment connected with creative and the occasion to have Paul in the mix. His insights, easy smile and engaging nature elevated my thinking and made me feel welcomed and valued ... for me those confidence building experiences define his natural generosity toward colleagues. Always grateful Paul.
Peter Minasian
peter@minasiancommunications.com

By: darciatrem

darciatrem — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 23:35:20 +0000

In my 10 years at Mullen, I was never fortunate enough to work directly with Paul, but when I saw him in the hallways, he always knew my name, he always said hello and he always had a smile. He was a legend in this business and will always be fondly remembered!

By: Dana Kennedy

Dana Kennedy — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 14:44:35 +0000

I was Paul's sister-in-law when I was kid and he was like a big brother for a time. I always think of him when I hear the Creedence Clearwater Revival song “Sweet Hitchhiker.” It was blaring on the radio as he drove down Route 128 with me in my mother's red VW Squareback. Paul was heading to Zayre in Beverly to do an interview for Discount Store News. I almost always had fun with him and felt more free with him than with my mother and sister. I remember once walking around the Star of the Sea Church in Marblehead with him. We saw a nun in the distance. Paul wished the nun would ask us the question, “What reason do you have for being here?” so he could respond, “None.” In 1971 he told me he would never forgive me and I didn't see him much after that. But I forgive him.

By: MarcAnthony7

MarcAnthony7 — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 21:32:41 +0000

Paul Silverman was the finest, most gentle, and most wickedly funny souls I have ever had the honor of knowing. I remember working with Paul on the Timberland account, and how one day in the beginning he brought me a copy of Robert Service's poetry and a J. Peterman catalog, telling me: “Make Robert proud and Peterman jealous.” He was truly a creative director who could creatively direct, and at the same time, positively inspire. I'm going to read his short stories now and try to sense his spark again. He would often threaten to write a novel, the opening line of which was to be, “Bob could often be found at cocktail parties farting quietly into corners.” To this very day, with every reception I go to, I look to the corners and think of Paul.

By: baysiewightman

baysiewightman — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 17:46:32 +0000

Paul was graceful and aristocratic and I never could believe his humble roots. He was also kind and real mensch to those of us in the office that didn't really get the confrontational ad biz style. I remember he and I went down to New York to present to Calvin Klein himself. Paul was just unflappable, calmly savoring his breakfast at the Four Seasons while I was a total wreck. He helped me to see what a game this whole thing is. I will miss him.

By: francesrobertshill

francesrobertshill — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 17:55:18 +0000

I was lucky enough to work with Paul (as a lowly traffic manager)
when the agency consisted of 12 people. Jim introduced me to Paul
by telling me – this man is brilliant – and that he was. Paul's wit will forever impact me.

By: Julie Murphy

Julie Murphy — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 12:39:15 +0000

Such a kind gentleman. Thoughts and prayers to his family.

By: Kathy Moore

Kathy Moore — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 04:14:36 +0000

Like so many others, I was shocked to hear of Paul's passing. His wry take on life seemed gently tempered by his innate courtesy so that all found themselves feeling included in the hard work of thinking as well as the fun of advertising. So many familiar names here who worked more closely with him but saying the same thing. What a tribute.