Raymond Sylvia, 83, of New Bedford died April 28, 2003 at Our Lady's Haven in Fairhaven after a long illness.
He was the husband of Florabell (Francis) Sylvia and son of the late Manuel X. and Maria (Coulombe) Sylvia.
Mr. Sylvia was born in New Bedford and lived in New Bedford all of his life.
He was a communicant of St. Mary's Church in New Bedford.
Mr. Sylvia was a graduate of New England Institute of Applied Arts and Sciences Funeral Service Program and later served as a funeral director in several local funeral homes for over 35 years.
He served in Company M, 180th Infantry in the US Army during World War II. He participated in the Italian Campaign and Southern France Campaign. He was the recipient of the Combat Infantry Badge, 2 Battle Stars for the Italian and Southern France Campaigns, 1 Battle Star for the Sicilian Campaign and the Purple Heart.
Mr. Sylvia was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Freetown Memorial Post #6643, and a member of Disabled American Veterans Dr. C.E. Burt Chapter 7.
He enjoyed woodworking.
Survivors include his wife; a son, Daryl R. Sylvia, and his wife Nancy, of South Dartmouth; a daughter, Donna Fernandes of Assonet; 2 sisters, Doris Sylvia of New Bedford and Beatrice DeMello of California; 3 grandchildren, Brian Fernandes of Assonet, Jeffrey Sylvia of South Dartmouth and Gina Fortin, and her husband Jason, of New Bedford; several nieces and nephews.
He was the brother of the late Romeo Sylvia.
Funeral from the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New BedfordThursday, May 1st at 8 AM.Funeral Mass at St. Mary's Church, New Bedford at 9 AM.Relatives and friends are invited to attend.
Visiting hours Wednesday, April 30th from 4-8 PM.
Interment Pine Grove Cemetery.