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About Us

Honoring the Legacy of Raphael & Kitty Silverman

It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of Raphael Silverman, founder of Raphael’s Party Rentals, on February 19, 2025. Alongside his wife and partner, Kitty, Raphael built far more than a successful business—they built a company rooted in family, integrity, hard work, and service. Founded in June 1981, Raphael’s Party Rentals began with a simple vision: helping people celebrate life’s most important moments. Raphael’s legacy lives on through his family, dedicated employees, and the countless celebrations the company has helped create.

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Humble Beginnings 

Raised in Ireland, Raphael Silverman learned the value of hard work while working in his family’s hardware business. In the late 1970s, Raphael and Kitty moved to San Diego to build a better future for their family. From the very beginning, Kitty was not simply Raphael’s wife—she was his business partner. Raphael deeply valued her judgment and rarely made an important business decision without first seeking her advice. Their partnership became one of the foundations upon which the company was built.

1981

Raphael and Kitty officially opened Raphael’s Party Rentals in June 1981. The company originally rented tools, exercise equipment, and party equipment. As customer demand evolved, they made the strategic decision to focus exclusively on party rentals. Kitty worked in the office for many years, helping oversee the day-to-day operations while Raphael concentrated on customers and growing the business. 1983 and Beyond. Philip Silverman joined the family business with a vision for long-term growth. Building on the strong foundation established by Raphael and Kitty, he expanded the company’s departments, facilities, products, and services while preserving the family’s commitment to exceptional customer service and integrity. Over the decades, Raphael’s Party Rentals grew into one of Southern California’s premier event rental companies, introducing proprietary products, expanding to the Miramar headquarters, launching Event Works, embracing sustainable solar power, and supporting customers through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

A Family Business

Customers became lifelong friends, and employees became extended family. Many team members have dedicated decades of their careers to Raphael’s Party Rentals, reflecting the culture created by Raphael and Kitty. Today, the company remains family-owned and family-operated, continuing the traditions established more than four decades ago. A Legacy That Continues. Today, every tent raised, every wedding celebrated, every corporate event supported, and every community gathering reflects the values Raphael and Kitty instilled from the very beginning: integrity, hard work, innovation, exceptional service, and family. What began as a small family business renting tools, exercise equipment, and party supplies has grown into a company serving thousands of events throughout Southern California. While Raphael is deeply missed, his vision lives on through the company he and Kitty built together, the family who continues to lead it, and the dedicated team committed to carrying that legacy forward. Raphael’s Party Rentals doesn’t simply rent equipment—we help create memories that last a lifetime.