GLOUCESTER: Capt. Silvario Gaspar, died on February 25, 2009, at the Kaplan Family Hospice House in Danvers, surrounded by his family. Born in Gloucester on March 28, 1919, to the late Joaquim and Elvira Gaspar, Syl spent most of his life in the fishing industry. For many years, he fished on the family-owned fishing vessel, the Elvira Gaspar. He attended Wentworth Institute, where he became an engineer. After spending from 1942 to 1945 in the United States Navy as a Petty Officer, he, his father and brothers helped the shipyard in Maine build a new dragger, which was named the Vilanova. He fished for a short time on the Vilanova as its engineer and then became a co-owner of City Oil Company in Gloucester, which supplied fuel to the fishing fleet. Syl later returned to the sea as Captain of his own fishing vessel, The Blue Waters. He also skippered other fishing vessels at different times throughout his life until his retirement.
In high school, Syl played football, and throughout his life was fondly referred to as “Monk” by many of his former classmates.
He was predeceased by his wife, Pearl D. (Bartlo) Gaspar, his son, Kevin D. Gaspar, his sister, Mary Shanahan, and his brothers, Adolph Gaspar and Carlos Gaspar.
He is survived by his children, Silvario Gaspar, Jr. and wife Carlene, Karen A. Ercolani and husband Stephen, Cheryl A. Fleming and companion Paul Matta, and Lauri Francis and husband Michael; his grandchildren, Nicole Gibbons and husband Jesse, Karissa Ercolani, Kimberly LaCroix and husband Christopher, Christopher Fleming, Ashley Francis, Taylor Francis, Abigail Francis, Rebekah Francis and Caleb Francis; his great grandson, Jacob LaCroix; his sister, Adelia Sukup of Florida, his sister-in-law, Dorothy Hayes, and many nieces and nephews.
He is also survived by his loving companion, Ruth Silva, and her family; son Terry Silva and wife Dale, daughter Debbie Marshall and husband Gene; grandchildren Gene Marshall Jr. and wife Keri, Corey Marshall and his wife Katie, Kelli Silva, Rocky Silva, and Lynn Silva.
After cremation, a graveside service will be conducted on Saturday, March 7, 2009, at 10:00 a.m. at Beechbrook Cemetery in West Gloucester. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. Donations may be made in his memory to the Hospice of the North Shore, Ayer-Anderson Wing, 75 Sylvan Street, Suite B-102, Danvers, MA 01923.