John Bligh
- Retired teacher
- UFT U-rating advocate, the Bronx and Manhattan borough offices
Winston Silvera was a longtime science teacher and chapter leader at Harry S. Truman HS in the Bronx. After work hours, he was a U-rating advocate in the union’s Bronx and then Manhattan borough offices. He retired from teaching in 2003, but continued his work defending union members.
He died of coronavirus on April 11, at age 82.
In his mild-mannered, quiet and gentlemanly way, Winston got more done than most.
“Winston loved the union. He was a tenacious advocate who insisted on union members getting due process,” said retired teacher Albert Sarasohn, who worked with him in the Manhattan borough office U-Rating and Appeals department. “Members were glad to be represented by him,” Sarasohn said, adding that Winston had more of his cases overturned than other advocates because of his diligence. He retired from his U-rating work Dec. 31, 2019.
Winston was a regular at the UFT Delegate Assembly, conferences and other union events, and he was a delegate to the annual NYSUT Representative Assembly and AFT convention. George Caulfied, retired UFT District 3 representative, recruited Winston to work with the AFT on political, organizing and collective bargaining campaigns around the country.
“Winston was among the first to sign up, and no matter where I asked him to go, he went — the Midwest, New England, Florida — he just did everything and played a big part in campaigns for collective bargaining rights in states like Wisconsin and Ohio,” Caulfield said.
Winston would cancel appointments to make himself available to work. “He was energetic, enthusiastic and everywhere we sent him, he was appreciated and would always be asked for,” Caulfield said.
Winston began teaching in 1974, and while teaching high school, was also a professor of biology and chemistry at Hostos Community College in the Bronx. “He was dedicated to educating the young people of the Bronx at the high school and college level,” said Michael Hayes, the current chapter leader at Truman HS. “And he was a dedicated union man who was very kind, who always greeted you with a warm hello and words of encouragement and advice. He will be missed greatly,” Hayes said.
“Winston was a U-rating advocate who always gave 110% to the members,” said his colleague Herb Katz, a retired District 9 representative who worked with him in the Bronx. “He always greeted all of us with a smile and a handshake. In all of the years we knew him we never heard him say a cross word about anyone. He was a true gentleman and we will miss him,” Katz said.
Winston is survived by his wife, Yolanda; daughter Judy Rameau; stepson Ramon Vallian; grandsons David Ottati II and Marcus Rameau; siblings Wayne, Osmond, Janet, Yvonne Bramwell and Audrey Oddman; and many nieces and nephews.
Condolences can be sent to:
Yolanda Silvera
3313 Wickham Ave.
Bronx, NY 10469
Thanks to everyone
Winston was a true advocate for all. I worked briefly with him at the Bronx UFT Office as an Advocate. He was always smiling and willing to help any and everyone. He is truly missed. Continuous prayers to Mrs. Silvera.
Thank you.
My sympathies goes out to the Silvera family. He was a good friend and showed his support in my sponsored activities. Gone but not forgotten.
Semper Fi. DR.!
Sleep and Rest in peace Mr. Winston. You were a very gentle giant. Your smile and kindness will definitely be missed.
There are many lovely comments about this teacher on Covid Memorial Page: https://www.facebook.com/CovidMemorialPage/
Winston was a gentleman and a scholar. He helped improve the lives of thousands of people as both a teacher and a union advocate. With deepest sympathy to his family, may he rest in peace.
I knew Winston for almost 30 years & must say his integrity as well as friendship was unwavering. We talked about everything from the news, politics to sports. There was never a time that he would pass without greeting you & sharing a word or two.
I will certainly miss his presence. My condolences goes out to all that share in this loss.
Winston always had a kind word, even during difficult moments. He will be missed.
We ran into him many times while eating lunch and his infectious smile brightened any room. He was so pleasant to speak to and he will be missed.
Winston was a fun guy he had a zest for life, he was generous and kind. He visited the UK a couple of summers in the 80’s and we took him to various attractions; he loved the then Windsor safari Park. He put a biscuit on his head to entice a giraffe to come over, which worked – the giraffe licked his head . A few years later when we visited New York, he took my brother and I to a science convention, then to Coney Island theme Park. I can’t believe you’re gone, rest in peace cuz xxx
I never knew Winston but I have worked in Truman High School for 21 years with the Autistic Unit I would see him when I was passing in the hallways with my students. He always looked like a very nice person who had a gentle soul, and a Quiet Persona about him. I’m sending my Condolences to his family in this very very trying time. They will be in my thoughts and prayers.
I had met Winston and spoken to him a few times at U.F.T. and N.Y.S.U.T. Conventions and meetings. He was a tireless and honestly sincere Union spokesman and member, but more importantly was just a really nice guy. It is so sad. Rest in Peace Winston.
I had the good fortune of meeting Winston as my union representative for
a u-rating appeals hearing. He truly had a passion for justice and defending teachers
fighting unjust attacks. Winston was truly a very special person who always treated others
he worked with in a gentle, warm, supportive and dignified manner — truly the best!
Rest in peace Winston. Your great contribution to education will live on. The Powell family .
I have never met Mr Winston although he lived two blocks away from me. It was very sad to hear about his passing from my Sister a Teacher and also a friend of Mr Winston’ s cousin. Sending my deepest sympathy to his Family and may God give them strength at this very difficult time.
Mr. Silvera was all around beautiful guy and I was very fortunate to have him as a science teacher. there’s very few BIG MEN I rate and he was definitely one of them.
1 LOVE BOSSMAN
SIP
FROM: Oscar M. Harriott. — &
Dr.Marcianne Harriott-Harris
May this gentle soul Rest In Peace !!
This is a very sad day Mr.Silvera was a very humble man and a great science teacher who always had a smile on his face and greeted you with the same smile as you entered and left his classroom. My deepest condolences goes out to his wife and family during this sad time.
Mr. Silvera was not only my science teacher but also a neighbor in Wickham Avenue. He served on the block association with my parents. He would encourage us as young people to be and do our best and to carry ourselves with dignity. “Be Dignified” he would say. I have many years since left New York but those words resonate with me for my adult life. My condolences and prayers to his wife and rest of family. He impacted many students lives. SIP faithful servant
Saddened to hear this. You are 100% correct never failed to greet you in class and hallways and most of all shake your hand . He always had a smile. He was my science teacher as for many others in Truman High School 1981-1985. Saw him in The Reunion in 2009.
May he Continue RIP. We will sure miss him My condolences to the family ❤️
He was my first science and home room teacher , when I entered Truman High School in September 1980. I remember him being well mannered, groomed and quaint. He always was considerate and tolerant. He was knowledgeable and kind. My absolute sincerest condolences to his family
When I heard about Mr. Silvera’s passing it saddened me. As I read some of the heart felt condolences I’m smiling. For Mr. Silvera was a blessing to so many. He touched us all, if just for a moment. I too had Mr. Silvera as my teacher in Truman High School. He was serious about reaching each and everyone of us. Not just in book knowledge but in life knowledge. His expectations of us was of how he carried himself. What a privilege to say I was taught by you and to have known you. Rest in peace, job well done Mr. Winston “Dignified” Silvera. Thank you!
RIP Mr Silvera !! You were one dignified gentleman ,amazing teacher and I was fortunate enough too be one of your students.
My deepest condolences to you and your family. Mr. Silvera was my science teacher over 30 years ago and I still remember how he cared about his students and was always willing to help us do our best in class. He was one of my favorite teachers. May he Rest In Peace.
Thank you Mr. Silvera for your caring ways. You always made our classes interesting and always kept us in check! You were one of the few who cared about us as people. Your lessons were more than just science they were life lessons. Your family should be proud.
May you rest well with our Lord. My sincere condolences and prayers to your family.
Always
“Dignified”
Winston was a relative of the McKnight’s Family and a beloved and renowned member of the Seventh Day Adventist church in Mt Vernon. He was well known ,loved and respected in this community as well. He was very quiet but friendly and kind to everyone he came in contact with. Winston was the person to take my husband to his first baseball game at the old Yankee stadium, a gesture that will never be forgotten. We all will miss his signature smile and his gentle attitude as he takes in his surroundings and surveys his environment. Sleep on Winston a crown of life awaits you on resurrection day.
Sincere condolences to you and your Family during this difficult time may Gods loving arms cradle you and your Family
Mr. Silvera was my instructor at Truman High School, he was highly favored, one of my favorite instructor many great fond memories we all had he was fair i enjoyed talking to Mr. Silvera, sorry for the Loss, May he RIP Angel ✝️
I want to thank the Silvera family for sharing with the Bronx community a strong advocate for education. I had Mr. Silvera as a teacher back in the late 80s. In Truman HS during that time there was not a lot of diversity of the races of those educating students This made the connection difficult to be motivated for most students of color. I can truly appreciated Mr. Silvera relentless pursuit and dedication.
Sincere condolences to you Mrs Yolanda Silvera. May God be with you and the family during this time.
Please accept our condolences on the passing of your husband. Just know that we are here for you, please don’t hesitate to reach out, especially during this difficult time.
From: Keisha, Brownie, Pauline, Akeelia & Liam
The Mcknight family sent sincere condolences Yolanda Silvera, Judy and all Winston’s other family members and friends. Cousin Winston you will be missed. RIP and I sure we will see on that glorious morning. Eustace, Marjorie, Lorna, Sarah, Anthony, Tanicha, Xavier, Jai, Dylan, Amilie and Zayden.
I could always count on seeing Winston in all corners of 52 Broadway with a beaming smile and outstretched hand that portrayed genuine interest and warmth. He was a true unionist whose loss will be felt.
Winston always had a smile for everyone he met and greeted everyone as a friend. I saw him at many UFT events and always with his trademark enthusiasm and it is hard to imagine not seeing him among his Union brothers and sisters. He was always kind to people when I saw him and carried a wonderful excitement in the moment. His kindness will be missed. My condolences to his family.
He was a great guy. Quiet and unassuming. Extremely friendly. Condolences to all.
I am so saddened to hear about Winston’s passing. He was very kind to me when I first started out as a new teacher at Harry S Truman High School. While involved with the UFT committee at our school, he was a tireless advocate for teachers who achieved his goals through a quiet tenaciousness. He looked out for us and was welcoming and kind throughout the reminder of his career at Truman. I would run into him from time to when he came to visit or at UFT functions, and he always greeted me with the warmth of an old friend.
My sincere condolences to his family.