John J.B. Silvia

MIDDLETOWN, RI - John Joseph Bernardo Silvia, Sr., of 749 Mitchells Lane, Middletown, RI, died suddenly at home Wednesday, November 9, 2005. He was the husband of the late Josephine Gomes Silvia who died in August of this year, and had celebrated their 56th wedding anniversary on May 21, 2005. Born in Portsmouth, Rhode Island, on April 17, 1924, he was the son of the late Joseph Bernardo and Mary Perry Silvia.Mr. Silvia worked for 25 years, retiring in 1986 from the State of Rhode Island Department of Transportation in both the Airport Division and the Middletown Facility and was the shop steward for the Local 2881 AFLCIO-AFSCME. One of his responsibilies was as the Caretaker Foreman of Ft. Adams in Newport and had been in charge of the grounds as well as the care and driving of the mules at special events and parades. Prior to joining the State he had also worked for The Round House Dairy during the late 1940?s and 1950?s picking up milk from the local farmers. Mr. Silvia worked briefly at Salve Regina College and the former W.T. Grants. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 4201 in Middletown, RI. He was a very active communicant of Jesus Saviour Church. Mr. Silvia was instrumental in the creation of the Our Lady of Fatima float for the St. Barnabas and Jesus Saviour Church Feasts. He was known as a famous gardener and landscaper, and for his love and care of animals. He is survived by his son John J.B. Silvia, Jr. of Portsmouth, RI, his two grandsons, John J.B. Silvia, III of Brooklyn, CT, and James G.J. Silvia of Portsmouth, RI, his brother Herbert M. Silvia of Portsmouth, RI, two sisters Elsie Hopper of Springfield, OR, and Edith C. Ponte of Portsmouth, RI. He was also the brother of the late Alfred D. Silvia and Albert H. Silvia.His funeral will be held on Saturday November 12, 2005 at 9:00AM from the Memorial Funeral Home, 375 Broadway, Newport, RI with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00AM in Jesus Saviour Church, Broadway and Vernon Avenue, Newport, RI. Burial will be in the family grave at St. Columba Cemetery in Middletown, RI. Calling hours will be held on Friday, November 11, 2005, from 2-4pm and 7-9pm, in the Memorial Funeral Home, 375 Broadway, Newport, RI. Memorial donations in John?s memory can be made to Jesus Saviour Church Charitable Fund, Broadway Vernon Avenue, Newport, RI 02840.