George L. "Sonny" Silvia

George L. "Sonny" Silvia, 80, of Middletown, passed away after a brave battle with Leukemia on Sunday, February 8, 2015 at Rhode Island Hospital, surrounded by his loving family.He was the husband of Janet Marie (Bernier) Silvia.Born on November 17, 1934 in Middletown, RI, he was the son of the late George B. and Margaret (Perry) Silvia. George was a 1953 graduate of Rogers High School. He lost his his father at the age of 19 and being the oldest of seven children, he took over the responsibility of raising his siblings with his mother and running the family business; "Silvia's Shell Gas Station" in Middletown. After running the Shell gas station for a many years, George ventured into selling used cars and later added RV's (travel trailers) to this business. "George L. Silvia's Auto and Trailer Sales" became an Aquidneck Island landmark. Later, he worked for 17 years as a truck manager for Viking Olds/Cadillac/GMC dealership. During his retirement, George worked for the Newport Maher Center, where he enjoyed providing transportation for his clients.In his youth, he enjoyed roller-skating at the Portsmouth Roller Rink and boating at McCorrie Point with his family. He sponsored stock cars that raced at Seekonk and Thompson Speedways. He also enjoyed snowmobiling and camping with his family and friends. Later in life, he continued his love of boating with his children and grandchildren. George enjoyed spending time in Naples, Florida with his wife. "Papa," as known by his grandchildren, also loved taking them on many trips to Disney World.George's memberships included the Knights of Columbus of Middletown, the RI Automobile Dealers Association, and the RI Camping Quahog Chapter. He was instrumental in the creation of the Second Beach Campground. George was known as jack-of-all-trades, from managing his properties to helping his sons with their home renovations. He treasured the friendships with those he grew up with and the new ones he made along his life's journey; always there with a helping hand for those in need. George also loved supporting the Sisters of St. Dorothy and celebrating Christmas with them.Besides his wife of 54 years, he is survived by his children, George K. Silvia and wife Patricia of Portsmouth, RI, Thomas B. Silvia of Providence, RI and Jeffrey A. Silvia and wife Noel of Northborough, MA, his grandchildren, Megan N. Silvia, Ryan G. Silvia, Reilly T. Silvia and Kiera Juliet Silvia, and his siblings, Marie Lavault and her husband Norman of Middletown, RI, Anthony B. Silvia and his wife Barbara of Somerville, SC, Agnes "Toni" Silvia of Quaker Hill, Ct and Raymond R. Silvia and his wife Elizabeth of The Villages, FL. He also survived by many nieces and nephews.He was the brother of the late John J. Silvia and Margaret "Peggy" Buchan.Calling hours will be held on Thursday, February 12, 2015, from 8:30-10:30 in the Memorial Funeral Home, 375 Broadway, Newport, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11am in Jesus Savior Church, 509 Broadway, Newport, RI. Private burial will follow in St. Columba Cemetery, Brown's Lane, Middletown.In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Middletown Fire Department and Rescue Wagon Fund, 239 Wyatt Road, Middletown, RI 02842. Cemetery Details St. Columba Catholic Cemetery Chapel Brown's Lane Middletown, RI, Visitation FEB 12. 08:30 AM - 10:30 AM Memorial Funeral Home 375 Broadway Newport, RI, US, 02840 info@memorialfuneralhome.com http://www.memorialfuneralhome.com Service FEB 12. 11:00 AM Memorial Funeral Home 375 Broadway Newport, RI, US, 02840 info@memorialfuneralhome.com http://www.memorialfuneralhome.com