Edward Francis Silvia

Portsmouth, - Edward Francis Silvia, 88, of 121 Cottage Street Portsmouth, died Saturday, May 22, 2004 at Forest Farm Health Care Center Middletown, RIHe was the husband of the late Rosalie Marie Matthews Silvia. Born in Middletown, RI on July 25, 1915, he was the son of the late Joseph F. Silvia and Anna Dennis Silvia. Mr. Silvia had worked as a mechanic and machinist for the public works department for 11 years, retiring in 1982. He was a Communicant of St. Anthonys Church in Portsmouth. Mr. Silvia was a member of the Portsmouth Portuguese American Citizens Club, the Portsmouth Lions Club, the Sakonnett Sportsman, the Seven Castles Club, and the Portsmouth Senior Citizens Center. He had played the mandolin for several bands including The Melody Ramblers Band, The Vanguards, The Sons of Little Rhody, and Just We Three. Mr. Silvia also operated a repair garage at the foot of Quaker Hill in Portsmouth He is survived by a sister Margaret Gomes of Middletown, RI and three grandchildren. His is preceded in death by his son Robert Silvia and his four brothers John, Lewis, Joseph Jr. and Manuel Silvia.His funeral will be held Wednesday, May 26, at 9:00 AM from the Connors Funeral Home, 55 West Main Road, Portsmouth, with a Mass of Christian burial at 10:00 AM in St. Anthonys Church, 2836 East Main Road, Portsmouth. Burial will be in St. Columba Cemetery in Middletown.Donations may be made in his memory to Portsmouth Volunteer Fire Dept. Rescue Wagon Fund, P.O. Box 806, Portsmouth, RI 02871.