Joseph George Silvia Jr. died peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family in Newport Rhode Island on February 26, 2024 the age of 92 of natural causes.
Joseph was born in August of 1931 in Newport, Rhode Island to Joseph G. and Anna M. Silvia. He graduated from Roger’s High School in 1950 and directly after joined the United States Air Force to serve in the Korean War. He was stationed in the Philippines Islands, where he met and married his beloved wife, Angelita Lanzi. Their married life would span a remarkable 63 years until her passing in 2017.
Joseph started working for Thomas Crawford’s Blacksmith Shop on West Extension Street in Newport in 1945 at the age of 14. Upon returning to the United States after his service, he would resume working until eventually co-owning the business with Thomas Crawford Jr. He was known throughout Rhode Island for his natural engineering ability and metalworking skills. This led to a diverse set of accomplishments ranging from the building of housing for early telemetry packages to the design and construction of novel heavy equipment for tree and shrub harvesting at local nurseries. In addition, he also fabricated parts and renovated several of the iron gates and fencing at a number of Newport Mansions. He continued on as the sole proprietor of the shop after the death of Thomas Crawford Jr.; in April of 2009 the business was closed and he retired. Joseph’s children would like to express their thanks to everyone who walked through the front door of the shop.
Joseph was a long time Scoutmaster for the Boy Scouts of America Troop 70. He was a dedicated individual who loved imparting knowledge, shaping minds and teaching us all to ask the question why.
He is survived by his children Christopher P. Silvia, Michael A. Silvia, Theresa S. Pelletier and Katrina Jones. He is also survived by his seven grandchildren, Ana Alicia Silvia, Nicolas A. Silvia, Caleb Silvia, Joel T. Pelletier, Ruth Pelletier, Emma M. Pelletier Dionysios J. Kappos and his two great grandchildren Pablo G. Silvia and Grayson Pennington, all of whom he was very proud of. He is also preceded in death by his loving wife Angelita (Lanzi) Silvia and his son Mark A. Silvia.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Saturday March 2, 2024 a 10 am in St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, 12 William Street, Newport, Rhode Island. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Joseph’s life.