December 28, 2008 Frank “Gasper” Sylvia beloved husband of Beverly (Ryan) Sylvia died at the lifecare Center of Raynham at the age of 82, after a long illness. He was born in Taunton to the late Marie Gasper. After attending Taunton schools, he joined the U.S. Navy during WWII. He saw much action aboard the U.S. Helena, and the U.S. Omaha. He was a member of the VFW, PACC, and past member of the Knights of Columbus and the Taunton Lodge of Elks. He was active in local politics, serving on the city council for many years. He was chairman of the WWII Memorial Fund, which stands today in the grounds of the Superior Court House. He received the Medal of Merit for his charitable accomplishments. He was owner & operator of Gasper’s Variety, later Gasper’s Package Store on Winthrop St. He led an active life in sports. His favorite was being one of the longest players in the Taunton Herring’s Football League. He also coached many leagues including Little League. He was one of the many founders of the Taunton Western Little League Complex. Besides leading such an active life he was a super dad to his children, Karen and Mike Finnegan, Sandra Semas, Jane & David McAlpine, Wayne & Billie Sylvia and Frank Sylvia Jr. He adored his grandchildren Jodie and John Semas, Katie Cannon, Meghan and Myles McAlpine, London and Tallulah Sylvia, and Alex Finnegan. He was the brother of the late Yvonne (Flores) Cabral and Earl & Paul Flores of Provincetown. He also leaves several neices and nephews, especially Deborah Santos. Funeral from the O’Keefe-Wade Funeral Home, 70 Washington St. in Taunton on Friday, Jan. 2nd at 10am. followed by Mass of Christian Burial in St. Nicholas Church in North Dighton, formerly St. Joseph’s at 11am. Relatives and friends are invited to visiting hours on Thurs. from 4-8pm. Interment in the family lot in St. Francis Cemetery in Taunton. Donations in Gasper’s memory may be made to the Boys & Girls Club of Taunton, 31 Court St., Taunton, MA. 02780