Bernard T. Silkworth

December 17, 1930 - March 27, 2009

Barney Silkworth, 78, of Oceanport died on Friday, March 27, at home after a long illness. He was born in Long Branch and graduated from Long Branch High School in 1949. He served in the US Navy from 1953-54 and graduated from Trenton State College in 1955. Mr. Silkworth worked for the Long Branch Board of Education for just over fifty years, and retired in July of 2005. For 43 years, he taught industrial arts, serving as the department head for industrial and fine arts for several years. At the time of his retirement, Mr. Silkworth oversaw the Board of Education buildings and grounds. He also served as the Building Inspector for the Borough of Oceanport for nearly twenty years. Mr. Silkworth was a talented craftsman and wood carver. His projects ranged from small bird carvings to building and renovating boats and houses. He was a former member of the Shore Shop Teachers' Association, the Building Inspectors' Association, the Long Branch Ice Boat and Yacht Club, and the Oceanport Republican Club. He also served for many years on the Oceanport Planning Board. Mr. Silkworth was predeceased by his parents, Russell and Elsa Kraft Silkworth, and his brother, William D. Silkworth. He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Barbara Becker Silkworth; his daughter, Stacy Silkworth, Long Branch; his son, William O. Silkworth, and daughter- in- law, Denise, and grandchildren, Samuel and Henry, all of Oceanport. He also leaves his sister-in-law, Adelaide Silkworth, of Hickory, NC; brother-in-law, Steven Becker, and his wife Maryann of Oceanport. He leaves cousins, several nieces, nephews, great and great-great nieces and nephews. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at St. Luke's Methodist Church, 535 Broadway, Long Branch, on Saturday, April 4 at 10 a.m. The family will receive visitors after the service at the church. In lieu of flowers the family asks that you consider contributions in his name to The Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Tower Two Fifth Floor, 120 Albany Street, New Brunswick, NJ 08901-9919, research of Dr. Dale Schaar; or St. Barnabas Hospice and Palliative Care Center, 95 Old Short Hills Road, 1st Floor, West Orange, NJ 07052. You may light a candle of remembrance for Mr. Silkworth on the opposite page.

Woolley Boglioli Funeral Home

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So sad to have just found out...our love goes to Barbara, Bill, Stacy, Denise, Sam & Henry along with the rest of the family.

Mr. Silkworth was a wonderful teacher. I will never forget how he patiently showed me how to make a candle holder. I still have the dust pan I made in his class. He made the world a better place with his life. I also remember going on the ski trips with him. What a great teacher!

I never met him, but it sounds like he was a wonderful man...

Our beloved friend Barney will be forever in our minds. One of the kindest most gentle men we have ever known. Everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him will be very sad that he has left.

Barbara, Bill & Stacy: How was I to know 35 yrs. ago that those 2 kids cutting through my yard were to become part of my family! Memories of all the many events over the years of which you made me apart, will remain with my always. Each time I look at my house, I know it is in great part because of Barney & his vision, as well as direction. You have all been part of my life & my heart aches with the loss of Barney. I love you all & will keep Barney always in my heart, knowing he is at last at peace. Always, Patti

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

Sorry Barbara for what happened. I will keep you and your family in my prayers.

By the sound of my "north jersey brogue" it's obvious that I didn't grow up in Long Branch so I wasn't lucky enough to have Barney for shop class. But I was lucky enough to have moved almost next door and not only got private instruction in building everything from furniture to a 2nd floor on our little bungalow, but got to have him as a dear friend for the last 35yrs, How fortunate am I.

Barbara, i enjoyed the time i spent with you and Barney. He was such a nice man. You and your family will be in my prayers! Love, Brielle

Dear Barbara, We are so sorry to hear about Barney. He was a wonderful man and we are so glad to have known him. You are in our hearts and prayers. All our love, Ivette and Al

Barney was my department head for about 15 years.When I came to Long Branch I was just divorced and very upset and angry. Barney watched over me like he was my father.Always telling me I need to calm down and to stop worrying. He taught me alot on how to be a good teacher.He always kept me in line. I will miss him you know even though I have not seen him in a few years I always knew he was there.I am sure he is building and designing something for the man upstairs or at least inspecting the work that is beng done and giving his point of view.

Dear Barbara and family; Everyone at Bay Ave Trattoria sends their deepest sympathy to you. We were so sad to read about Barney. I hope he enjoyed the chocolate dessert Susan brought him. Maggie

Mrs. Silkworth My condolences to you on Barney's death. Barney and I were classmates and friends. I remember him from school like it was yesterday. John Burgess

Dear Barbara and family, My deepest sympathy for your loss. May the Lord's precious promise found in 1 Thess.4:13-18 comfort and sustain you all during this time of grief. Cheryl Mc Courry Soden

Dear Barbara, Stacey and Bill, I am so terribly sorry for your loss. Barney was such a unique individual. He was so generous with his time and knowledge, touching so many people. His kindness and patience will be long remembered,as well. God bless his soul. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Barbara

BABARA & FAMILY: MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY, GOD BLESS

Barbara and Family, Judy and I share in your loss. Barney was one of those folks who come along every so often but not nearly often enough. The world is a bit less without this wonderful person. Kindness and decency, coupled with gentleness was what he shared with all who knew him. May God bless you and your family at this most difficult time.

Dear Stacy and family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Bill,Denise and family, Sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. John and Joan Craig

Barbara and Family-I am so sorry to hear the news about Barney. It just doesnt seem fair that someone should have to go through all of that. I always loved to listen to the stories my grandmother told about her cousins...they had something special...My thoughts and prayers are with you all...each day...Love and hugs...Elena, Henry, and Sophia

Barney will always be remembered by us as someone who had a smile and a kind word for everyone. We will always have wonderful and fond memories of time spent together. Barbara, our thoughts & prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time. May happy memories begin to ease the pain you are feeling. Our Condolences, Ron, Donna, Ryan and Heather

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

Dear Stacy, I was very sorry to hear about the loss of your father. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Best wishes, Kara

Your friendship was a cherished part of my life and I will be forever grateful for the opportunity to call you my friend. I will miss your cheerful voice and your helpful ways. You will remain in my thoughts and prayers.

Although I'm sure no words can really help to ease your pain right now, just know that you are very close in every thought and prayer. You have my deepest sympathies. May the love of those around you help you through the days ahead. Big hugs to you and your family.

I taught with Barney when he was at the Long Branch Middle School. I remember him as a good teacher who cared about the students and the other staff. He was always polite and courteous, and, if I had to describe him in one word, it was that he was a gentleman. Please accept my condolences in your loss, Joyce Mitchell

Mrs. Silkworth, Stacy and Bill - I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. May fond memories bring many smiles & laughter to your hearts. Lisa

sorry to hear of your loss

Barbara, I feel such a profound sadness for you and your family. Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you.

Barney: You've got the most candles of anyone. Must have been all that good clean living.

I would be hard-pressed to find a kinder or more knowledgeable guy in all of Oceanport. I am hard-pressed to find the words now...May God be with him.

There are so few "great men & women" that when you meet one you know it right away. Barney was a great man & a quality example for all of us. A quiet, unassuming presence with a humble strength that is impossible to fake. We met him & Barbara about 10 years ago and cherished every moment we spent with them. He was a blessing in our life & we will remember him always. Our thoughts & prayers go out to him & his family. Just Love, Lena & Bill

My thoughts and prayers are with his wife and other family members.

It is amazing that in life circle how many time can you run into the same person and how they can be a memory for life, as a small boy in Broadway School (4th grade)my love for cars started, next to school was a Studabaker showroom and that was my first time running into Mr. Silkworth, little did I know 3yrs later that man would be my shop teacher( with "A"s), sometime after that I found out, he married a freind of my brother's sister ( Barbara). After that just married myself I bought some property in Oceanport, guess who the building inspector was, there was Barney and I again. Some years later I talk my brother into buying a house in Oceanport, we know who his neighbors were ( Barbara & Barney)after that there were to many good times to write about......Barney will be missed and that small boy will allways admire him. My God with with you Barney.

May GOD bless and keep you and your family. Warm thoughts and heart filled prayer for you, Barbara. Love you, Deorah Eato

Too many to count, but his kindness, sense of humor and his talent and dedication for keeping his home so beautiful. Barbara, thank you for letting me know. I will write you a personal note soon. Love and deepest sympathy to you Stacy & Bill

I've never met this man Bernard Silkworth but I'm a friend of his brother William with my acquaintance of the founder of AA Wiliam Wilson. May They Rest in Peace.

Dear Stacey I am sorry to hear that your dad has passed. You have been and will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Please let me know if there is anything I can do. Best Regards, Allison

Barbara, I was sorry to read of Barni's passing. Carl and I want to let you know that our thoughts of deepest sympathy are with you and your family. Barnie seemed to be such a gentle man who added value wherever he was.

My prayers and thoughts are with you at this sad time. Regards, Judy Riker

Honoring the memory of the son of the man that helped me,and millions of others live as free men, and women. A second chance at life. We honor the memory of a life, and of all those who knew and loved him. Mark A. Landis

From our family to yours, our prayers and thoughts are with you in this time of loss.

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

Barney was a joy. I looked so forward to our chats in my office when he came in for his appointments. He was such a good sport when I made him wear that ridiculous birthday hat. I have missed those days and will continue to miss him always.

A lovely wedding reception at your home for Bill and Denise. We will always remember your lovely family. Kathy & Jerry Graseck

Barbara, I want to express my deepest sympanthy at this time with the passing of Barney, not only a husband and father but I'm sure your best friend. Bert

Dear Barbara, Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. We have great memories of our trip to the Grand Canyon with you and Barney

Barbara, Our deepest and most sincere condolences to you and the entire family. 'Barney' was a true old time Oceanporter. Very few left here any longer, those came here, raised their families here and became part of the fabric that made the town what it is today. Anyone who had the opportunity to know Barney is saddened with the lose of such a good person.

Barney was pulled out of our class (1953)at Trenton State to join the Navy. During the summer of that year I tracked down his ship, the USS Yosemite, at Newport RI. They let me on the base, I found the ship but he was on liberty. Then,the marine guards wouldn't let me off the base. I almost had to reup. Barney was a great guy and will be missed.

Dear Silkworth Family, We are so sorry for your loss. Mr. Silkworth will always be known in our family as a great teacher and a wonderful man. We will keep you all in our thoughts.

Barbara, and family My deepest sympathy to you and your family. Kathy Ellery

Barbara, Rudy Marino called me & and passed on the bad news, my condolences to you and your family for your loss. Warm regards, Michael

Happy days in California and Maine, visits to Washington Crossing and days at home with you.

It is a sad, sad day. Our thoughts are with you.

Dear Barbara and Family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this sad time. God Bless.

My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Warmly, Lesley Aronchick (work with Bill)

Dear Stacy and Family, my thoughts are with you.

The Silkworth family are in my thoughts and prayers

Dear Barbara and Family My prayers are with you and your family. Barney is at peace now and is resting. Sincerely Mary Ann

I.m so sorry Barbara

To Barbara and Family, We are sending our heartfelt sympathy and wishes for peace at this very difficult time. May Barney's memory be a blessing for you. Gail and Jerry Kass

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Dear Barbara and Family: We were very sorry to read of Barney's passing. Our deepest sympathies to you all. Emily & Andy

Our thoughts and prayers are with your family in this time of sorrow.

Dear Barbara & the Silkworth family, Although I never had the pleasure of meeting Bernard by reading his accomplishments it would have been an honor too. I’m sorry for your loss. May God Bless his soul. Yours Truly Edward Dalesky Industrial Cooling Corp

I am very sorry to hear of Barney's passing. I have a lot of fond memories of him when he'd come and visit my dad. He was a wonderful man.

Our condolences on your loss - out thoughts are with you. Sheila Chandonnet and family (colleague of Stacy)

Dear Barbara and family, I am so sorry to hear about barney. I have thought about you often since I heard he had become ill.I will not be able to attend the services on Saturday, but you will be in my thought and prayers. I hope to see or be able to speak to you sometime. please take care. Love lorna

Barbara, Stacey, Bill & Denise You are all in our thoughts and prayers. May God give you the strength you need to deal with your pain and sorrow. Barney was such a great person, we all loved him so much. What a kind, thoughtful, gentile, talented and knowledgeable man he was. He will be missed by all. Love The Hennessey's

Sorry to hear of Barneys passing.He will be always in my thoughts and prayers.And to you Barbara he is suffering no longer.Aldo

Will be remembered by all.

My heart and prayers to your family. Though I do not know you, Dr. Silkworth and Bill saved my life.

Barbara, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I will always remember the support I got from Barney, especially when he signed Dr. Silkworth's book for my sponsor. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Love, Jill ROse

I will always remember what a loving team Barbara & Barney were. They always supported each others goals and dreams. I would often see Barney eating lunch out with a friend. His smile would light up the room. You could feel his kind spirit. His handiwork and beautiful gardens are amazing and showed his love for nature. This is a great loss for all who knew and loved him.

I grow up knowning Barny through The Edwards on Edwards Ave where I lived as a child and watch as he Ice Boated on the river.

My prayers go out to the family

Rest in peace, and my deepest sympathy to the family.

Dear Barbara and family, My sincerest sympathy for your loss. I loved having Barney come into the office for his visits. He always had a smile and I loved our gardening chats. I'll always think of him when I care for my Passion Flowers. Fondly, Joyce

All of you who grieve at the loss of your loved one are sincerely in my thoughts and prays.We have never met but you are a connection to a man who saved my life as a result of meeting Bill W and for that I will be forever grateful.

All those who were fortunate to know Barney, surely loved him and will truly miss him. The photo chosen by his family is perfect and I will always think of him with his tools in his hands and his sense of humor which was ready at any and all occasions.

My heart and prayers to your family. Though I do not know you, Dr. Silkworth and Bill saved my life.

Barbara and Family, It is with sad hearts we read about Barney's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Mary and Tom

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.