Dr. Thomas Edward Silliman, Sr., age 90, parted this life on May 29, 2026 in Clermont, FL. of complications from Parkinson’s Disease. Tom was born in Allentown, PA on July 1, 1935 to parents Vian and Edith (Straup) deceased. While in school he played in various bands and even played with big bands at the age of 17.

After high school graduation, he attended Lebanon Valley College in Annville, PA to pursue his love of music. His major instrument was the oboe, later all saxophones, flute, and clarinet. He moved to Frederick, MD and began teaching band in Thurmont, Woodsboro and West Frederick Junior High School. He later became Music Supervisor for the Frederick County School Board. He obtained his Master and Doctoral degrees from the University of Maryland. He also taught at Frederick Community College where he formed and directed a Jazz Band, and was an instructor of applied woodwinds. Tom was a Woodwind Consultant at Shepherd College in West Virginia, where he taught applied lessons to all woodwind students in the music department.

He organized and was the Director of the Frederick Regional Youth Orchestra. Tom was the Presentation Chairman for Frederick County Symphony Society, sponsoring the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra Concerts. He was the exploratory instrumental music instructor of all 4th grade students in the Frederick County School System. This provided hands-on experiences on flute, clarinet, trumpet, trombone, violin and cello for students one year prior to beginning instruction in Grade 5. This program was developed during his tenure as County Music Curriculum Specialist. Tom had been the instrumental music instructor at Gov. Thomas Johnson High School. Tom was a Past President of MMEA, Maryland Music Educators Association.

He also performed with the Lancaster, PA. Symphony (oboe), Gettysburg, PA Symphony (oboe), Frederick Community Orchestra (oboe) and Hagerstown, MD Municipal Band (all woodwinds). He played with various bands in the area and was well known for his playing with the Ted Clark Big Band. He had been the Director and sang with the Catoctones, Frederick Barbershop Chorus Chapter of SPEBSQSA. He had directed the Frederick Corale and the Evangelical Lutheran Church Choir where he also started the Handbell Choir. He was active with the Fredericktowne Players. Tom was a great educator, teaching privately to many who went on to pursue music. He taught 32 years in MD and when he retired and moved to Florida he joined the local musician’s union, and taught another 13 years at South Seminole Middle School. He also played with the Space Pops.

He is survived by his wife, Connie, her son Troy and by his children and grandchildren; Dr. Thomas E. Silliman, Jr. (wife Rebecca); grandchildren, Jeremy, Shannon and Justin of Palm Bay, FL, Barry Silliman (wife Nancy) of Walkersville, MD, grandchildren, Stephanie Ervin (Paul) of Washington, D.C. and Jesse of Walkersville, Gregory Silliman of Wampum, PA, Gail Snyder (Brian) and grandchild, Jeremy Carl of Dublin, GA. Tom’s first wife, Phyllis Brown, the mother of his children is deceased.

Valentine’s Day in 1987 Pastor Fogarty of the Evangelical Lutheran Church married he and Connie Nicholson (Twigg) Silliman. She and her son, Troy Twigg, joined his family. Tom and Connie’s love of music brought them together. They cherished every loving moment for 39 plus years of happiness. He and Connie joined a big band in Melbourne FL, Swingtime. Later they joined the Osceola Arts Big Band in Kissimmee, FL were Tom played the saxophone, directed the band (Connie was the vocalist). Parkinson’s Disease ended their musical endeavors, as Connie didn’t want to continue singing without Tom.

His deceased brothers, Vian (Finksburg, MD) and Neil (Phoenix, AZ) are waiting for him and what a reunion that will be.

He leaves behind many relatives from Maryland, Arizona and South Carolina, and many long-time dear friends from Maryland and Florida.

The family will receive friends from 5 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, June 11, 2026 at Stauffer Funeral Home, 1621 Opossumtown Pike in Frederick.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, June 12th at the funeral home in Frederick. Rev. Mark Cerniglia will officiate. Final resting place ceremonies will be held at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Frederick.

A viewing was also held at the Becker Funeral Home in Clermont, FL.