Rhona Silver
Rhona Silver (August, 1951 – November 6, 2017[1]) was an American businesswoman in the catering industry.[6] Until 2007, she owned a large catering hall, Huntington Townhouse, on Long Island.[7][3][8] She was co-founder of an internet-based catering company that connects anyone planning a party or event with local caterers.[9]
Rhona Silver | |
---|---|
Rhona Silver | |
Born | August 1951 |
Died | (aged 66)[1] |
Citizenship | American |
Education | Hofstra University School of Law[2] |
Occupation | Former catering hall owner[3][4] |
Known for | Former owner of the Huntington Townhouse[5] |
Home town | The Bronx[2][5] |
Website | www |
Early life and education
Rhona Silver was inclined towards the catering business from an early age as her father was a caterer in the Bronx, where she was born.[1][2][5] Al Silver catered at the Pelham Parkway Jewish Center and, after moving to Long Island, became the caterer at the East Meadow Jewish Center. She attended Hofstra University School of Law from 1978 to 1980 before taking up catering as a full-time profession.[2]
Career
Silver started with a small catering company which gradually spread to a few cities. In 1997, she purchased Huntington Townhouse, a 148,000-square-foot catering hall, for $7.6 million.[10][11] She sold it in 2007;[3] however, Silver was subsequently sued by Douglas Elliman Real Estate for commissions on the sale and by her half-brother who claimed he had owned half of the site.[1] In response, Silver sued her former boyfriend, Barry Newman, whom she alleged had organized the sale deal. The case was still in court at the time of her death.[1]
By 2011, Silver and two of her children launched CaterBid.com, an online venue to obtain quotes for event services from multiple suppliers.[9]
Silver was a member of The Committee of 200 (C200), the eWomenNetwork Foundation Advisory Council, and the Young Presidents' Organization (YPO). She was the recipient of Ellis Island Medal of Honor.
Personal life
Silver was married to Elliot Hurdy, co-owner of Huntington Townhouse.[12][13] She died on November 6, 2017, of a heart attack.[1]
References
- "Huntington Townhouse Owner Rhona Silver Dies At 66". 7 November 2017. Retrieved 9 November 2017.
- http://www.nydailynews.com/archives/news/caterer-1m-dream-martha-article-1.549461
- "The Week - Lowe's Completes Deal To Buy Catering Hall - NYTimes.com". The New York Times. 8 July 2007. Retrieved 22 February 2016.
- "Grand Night For Splurging; Boom Times Make Prom an Event On Which No Expense Is Spared". The New York Times. 16 June 2000. Retrieved 22 February 2016.
- "The Small but Sure Steps Taken To Turn Their Lives Around". The New York Times. 14 November 1999. Retrieved 22 February 2016.
- "USATODAY.com - Woman offers to pay $1M of Stewart's bills". USA Today. Retrieved 22 February 2016.
- JENNIFER BARRIOS (6 July 2011). "Huntington Townhouse to soon be a memory". Newsday. Retrieved 22 February 2016.
- "Lowe's Abandons Plans for New Huntington Location". Long Island Press. Retrieved 22 February 2016.
- MICHELE INGRASSIA. Special to Newsday (2 June 2011). "Online matchmaker for couples and caterers". Newsday. Retrieved 22 February 2016.
- "In the Region/Long Island; Filling the Area's Need for Large Conference Centers". The New York Times. 13 August 2000. Retrieved 22 February 2016.
- "Gruesome or Grand, It's a New Year's Gig With Buzz". The New York Times. 28 December 1999. Retrieved 22 February 2016.
- "After 96 Years, Louie's Leaves the Family". The New York Times. 17 March 2002. Retrieved 22 February 2016.
- "Party Thrown for Sept. 11 Victims' Relatives". ABC News. Retrieved 22 February 2016.
...said Elliott Hurdy, Silver's husband.