With heavy hearts the family of Joe Silvestri has announced his passing on March 28, 2021. We are comforted knowing that he was greeted at the gates of heaven by his Lord and his youngest daughter Mary. Joe fondly known as “Papa Joe” leaves behind an amazing legacy.
He is survived by his wife Mary of 70 years. Five of his six children, Evonne Vacca (John), Joe III, Gloria Whitcomb (Kenny), Tim Silvestri (Tina), Teresa Nicholl (Mike). He was preceded in death by his daughter Mary Luna (Albert). (dad wanted a baseball team…they came up a bit short!) Thirteen grandchildren and nineteen great-grandchildren.
Dad was born in Ventura on September 10, 1929. He attended Oxnard schools and when his parents re-located to Ojai he graduated from Nordhoff in 1948.
Dad and Mom stayed busy shuttling all us kids to various activities and later in life they could be found following a similar path with their grandchildren. It didn’t matter if it was baseball, football, soccer even dance recitals, mom and dad were always in the audience with a proud smile.
Besides Dad’s family his passion was work! He instilled the gift of hard work in all his children and grandchildren. Dad created an extremely successful construction company which employed thru the years his sons, daughters and sons-in-laws. He was humbled to be named Small Business man of the year by the Small Business Administration.
Dad was honored when in 2011 he and Mom officially became affiliated with the Order of the Augustine’s in Rome. Upon the event of Dad’s 90th birthday he was recognized with a Papal blessing at a mass at St Thomas Aquinas Church.
Dad loved a party! For many years Dad held his annual Christmas party at the Saint Thomas hall for family and business associates. You would find Dad on the dance floor all night. He was fortunate to be able to celebrate his 90th birthday, the party was a huge success, the music was great and all the guests were greeted by Dad’s loving arms.
In lieu of flowers please feel free to send donations to : Augustine Monastery 3266 Nutmeg Street San Diego, Ca. 92104
Family and friends are invited to a Most Holy Rosary to be recited at 7pm Friday April 9, 2021 at St. Thomas Aquinas Roman Catholic Church, Ojai. On Saturday April 10, 2021 at viewing will be held at church from 9 to 10am followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10am in St. Thomas Aquinas Church, Ojai. Interment will be private. A Celebration of Life will follow services with a location to be announced.