John J. "Jerry" Sylvia, 95, of New Bedford died Friday November 12, 2004 at St. Luke's Hospital surrounded by his family after a brief illness. He was the husband of Viola R. (Danielli) Sylvia; they had been happily married for 69 years.
Born in New Bedford, the son of the late John J. and Florence (Rose) Sylvia, he lived in New Bedford all of his life.
He was a communicant of St. Francis of Assisi Church.
Mr. Sylvia was formerly employed at the Newport Torpedo Station at Quonset Naval Base until his retirement.
He was a devoted husband and father. He was an avid card player and a former member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Lodge 73. He especially enjoyed the company of his family and friends.
Survivors include his wife; a son, Gerald Sylvia, Sr., and his wife Nancy of Mashpee; three daughters-in-law, Patricia Sylvia of Dartmouth, Janet Sylvia and Clara Sylvia, both of Connecticut; eight grandchildren and their spouses; fifteen great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
He was the father of the late James H. Sylvia, grandfather of the late James Sylvia, Jr. and Debra Furtado, and brother of the late Joseph Sylvia, Caroline Topolewski, Florence Topolewski, and Theresa Tavares.
Funeral from the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford Tuesday November 16, 2004 at 9 AM. Funeral Mass at St. Francis of Assisi Church at 10 AM. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. Visiting hours will be on Monday Novemebr 15, 2004 from 2-4 and 7-9 PM. Burial will be in St. Mary's Cemetery.