Joseph Sylvia, 97, of Mattapoisett died Sunday December 21, 2003 at Alden Court Nursing Home in Fairhaven after a brief illness. He was the husband of the late Margaret H. (Hawley) Sylvia.
Born in New Bedford, the son of the late Domingo and Anna (Enos) Sylvia, he had lived in Mattapoisett for all of his life. He was a graduate of Fairhaven High School.
He was a communicant of St. Anthony's Church in Mattapoisett.
He was formerly employed as a caretaker for private estates in Marion until his retirement.
Mr. Sylvia was a member of Reservation Golf Club for many years and a member of the Knights of Columbus Damien Council. He was an avid bowler.
Survivors include a daughter, Eleanor S. Roche, and her husband Paul, of Mattapoisett; a son, Earle L. Sylvia, and his wife Mary-Jane, of Mattapoisett; 6 grandchildren, Paul Sylvia, Michael Sylvia, Brian Roche, Stephen Roche, Christopher Roche and David Roche; 14 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.He was the brother of the late Manuel Sylvia and Robert Sylvia.
His Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday December 26, 2003 at 11 AM in St. Anthony's Church. Visitation will be at the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd., Mattapoisett on Friday morning from 9:30-10:30 AM prior to the Funeral Mass. Burial will follow in St. Anthony's Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to St. Anthony's Church, P.O. Box 501, Mattapoisett, MA 02739.