Alfred P. "Al" Sylvia
...active at St. William's Parish; 81
TEWKSBURY - Alfred P. "Al" Sylvia, age 81, an active member in St. William's Parish in Tewksbury, died Tuesday afternoon, December 15, at the Merrimack Valley Hospice in Haverhill, following a long period of declining health. He was the beloved husband of Yvonne T. (Cournoyer) Sylvia, with whom he had celebrated a 58th wedding anniversary this past March 10th.
He was born in New Bedford, November 27, 1928, a son of the late Antone and Mary (Viera) Sylvia, and raised in New Bedford. Following his graduation from high school, he enlisted into the U.S. Army during the Korean War, and was honorably discharged after having served stateside for his tour of duty.
He began his work career with Transitron in Wakefield, and in 1987, retired from Teradyne in Nashua as a manager. Since 1990, he had divided the seasons between winter in Haynes City Florida, and summers in Tewksbury.
He and his wife were active members of St. William's Parish, as an Usher, a co-founder of St. William's Men's Club, and past president of St. William's Holy Name Society. He was also a former member of the Fr. Coppen's Council 4336, Knights of Columbus in Tewksbury.
He and his wife were also known as accomplished Ballroom Dancers, and in fact, met at Lincoln Park Ballroom in Fall River.
Besides his wife, he is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, Steven and Clare (Connolly) Sylvia of Lowell; a daughter and son-in-law, Doreen and Stephen Dunlevy of Tewksbury; two beloved grandchildren, Ryan and Kara Dunlevy; and several neices and nephews.
He was also the last of five siblings, predeceased by his brothers, Manny Sylvia, Anthony Sylvia, Norman Sylvia, and Laura LeClair.
Visiting hours Thursday 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the funeral home. His funeral will begin Friday, Dec. 18, at 9:00 a.m. from the funeral home, followed by a Funeral Mass Friday, at 10:00 a.m. in St. William's Church, 1351 Main St. (Rte 38) Tewksbury. Burial will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery, No. Tewksbury. Flowers are welcome, and spiritual offering to the Oblate Fathers will be appreciated.