George Silverman, 86, co-owned Center City menswear shop

George Silverman, 86, co-owner of B & G Silverman menswear in Center City, died of Parkinson's disease Friday at Dunwoody Village in Newtown Square. He was a longtime resident of Bala Cynwyd.

The business was founded in 1908 by Mr. Silverman's father, who came to Philadelphia as a Russian immigrant. Isaac Silverman & Sons, which manufactured trousers, began in a modest shop at 405 Market St. The store was renamed B & G Silverman and moved to 1225 Arch St. The "B & G" in the store's name came from Isaac's wife, Bessie, and eldest son, George.

As the business grew, another son, Irvin, and Mr. Silverman took it over and built a successful retail and manufacturing firm at 635 N. Fifth St. in 1967.

Mr. Silverman delighted in meeting people from all walks of life. His customers included not only the man off the street, but luminaries such as Cardinal Anthony Bevilacqua (who purchased an overcoat), 76ers and Flyers players, and Philadelphia politicians. Harrison Ford and other actors in Witness bought black raincoats to wear while filming in the Philadelphia region, said Mr. Silverman's daughter Audrey Perkins.

The wide range of quality merchandise and Mr. Silverman's excellent service earned the store a respectable name. B & G Silverman offered pickup and delivery with a twist. The store not only delivered purchases to customers in Center City but, upon request, also picked up customers and returned them when they finished shopping. The store closed in the early 1990s.

Born in the Logan section of the city, Mr. Silverman graduated from Simon Gratz High School in 1940. He failed the medical exam for military service during World War II because he suffered from allergies and asthma, said Perkins.

After working by day and attending the Wharton School at night for 12 years, Mr. Silverman earned a degree in accounting. Mr. Silverman married Ruth Richman in 1960, and the couple moved from the Benjamin Franklin Parkway to Bala Cynwyd, where they raised two daughters.

"My father was a man of wisdom, self-discipline and personal integrity," said Perkins. "When I was a cancer patient at 17, he clearly defined his sense of priorities. Instead of working his usual seven days a week, he went to every one of my doctor appointments until I was well."

Strikingly handsome, the 6-foot-3 man had a full mane of white hair. Mr. Silverman dressed classically in a navy blazer, gray pants, shirt and tie. He placed great value on his family and good health, caring little for possessions of status, his daughter said.

Mr. Silverman enjoyed Broadway plays, opera, playing chess and bridge and a game of handball at the Philadelphia Athletic Club.

In addition to his wife, daughter and brother, Mr. Silverman is survived by another daughter, Rose Wartman; three grandchildren; and another brother, Marvin.

A funeral will be held a11 a.m. today at Joseph Levine & Son, North Broad Street. Burial will be in Roosevelt Memorial Park. Donations may be made to the American Parkinson's Disease Association, Crozer-Chester Medical Center, Chester, Pa. 19013.