Gilbert R. Silvia died at the age of 77 at the McCarthy Care Center in Sandwich on June 8. Born in Vineyard Haven on April 5, 1933, to Antone T. and Inez (Manning) Silvia.
He leaves behind his wife of 47 years, Barbara (Francis) Silvia of Vineyard Haven, his children, Kenneth P. Silvia, Michael J. Silvia and his wife, Danelle of Vineyard Haven, and Deborah and her husband Ronald Denoncourt of Plymouth, his sister Ruth VanBrakle of Edgartown, six grandchildren -— Michael J. Dube, Adam and Travis Lanoie, Antone Silvia, and Jacob and Luke Silvia, and one great grandchild, Damon Silvia. He was predeceased by his siblings Kenneth, Preston, and Verna Silvia.
Gilly worked for his father for many years before taking over Midland Plumbing & Heating, where he became a Master Plumber and also worked alongside his two sons and grandson. He was a fireman in Vineyard Haven for over 10 years and also afireman in the Korean War in which he served from 1951-1953. He was a proud member of the Wampanoag Tribe.
Gilly loved fishing, hunting, gardening, golfing, and spending time with his wife and grandchildren.
