VIRGINIA BEACH—Martin E. Silfen, an entertainment lawyer and Professor of Law, 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 degree, and in 1960 from Brooklyn Law School. His offices were located in Manhattan, where he was an entertainment and 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 taught 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 took place at the Beth David Cemetery in Elmont, New York. Donations in his memory are requested to Temple Emanuel in Virginia Beach. Express condolences to the family at www.altmeyerfh.com.