Robert A. “Bob” Silvia, age 78 of Raynham, a cherished husband, father, and friend, passed away on Friday, June 27, 2025, at Morton Hospital, with his loving family by his side.
He was the beloved husband of Linda M. (Todorsky) Silvia, with whom he shared 53 years of marriage.
Born in Taunton on June 12, 1947, Bob was the son of the late Frank F. Silvia and Louise C. (daSilva) LaFreniere, and was raised by his maternal grandparents Alvaro G. and Mary (Rapoza) daSilva.
Educated in Taunton schools, Bob was a graduate of Bristol County Agricultural High School where he excelled in track, cross country, and basketball.
From 1968 to 1969, Bob proudly served his country as a Sergeant in the United States Army, 9th Infantry Division, during the Vietnam War. Bob was awarded the National Defense Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, and Army Commendation Medal with five Oak Leaf Clusters. Committed to recognizing the contributions of Vietnam Veterans, Bob served as President of the Taunton Area Vietnam Veterans Association (TAVVA) with pride and honor for 15 years.
Following his honorable discharge from the United States Army, Bob returned to his love of landscaping and owned and operated his own landscaping business before serving as Assistant Director with the City of Taunton Parks and Recreation. While working with the City, Bob took great pride in caring for and maintaining the Vietnam Memorial Fountain and working on the annual Christmas displays on Taunton Green. Following his retirement, Bob volunteered countless hours at Coyle and Cassidy High School in Taunton.
Bob was a communicant of Holy Family Church in East Taunton, and a member of the Disabled American Veterans.
A kind-hearted man full of warmth, love, and great humor, Bob was a real gentleman. Birdwatching, traveling back roads, being surrounded by nature, fishing the Cape Cod Canal, and listening to oldies music brought him great joy. He also loved gardening and cultivating blueberries which he enjoyed giving to family and friends.
In addition to his loving wife, he is survived by a son, Eric S. Silvia of St. Paul, Minnesota, a daughter, Torie L. Sylvia and her husband, John, of Dighton; two grandchildren, Tyler and Jackson Sylvia of Dighton; his brother Edward LaFreniere of Taunton, and sisters Judith Ferris, Louise Dias, Suzanne LaFreniere, and Janine LaFreniere all of Taunton; and several nieces and nephews. He was also the brother of the late Francis J. Silvia, and Richard, Scott, James, and Louis LaFreniere.
Mr. Silvia’s funeral will be held on Monday, July 7, 2025 at 8:30am from the Silva Funeral Home 80 Broadway (at Saint Mary’s Square) Taunton, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10am in Holy Family Church Middleboro Ave, East Taunton.
Interment with military honors will follow in Saint Joseph Cemetery.
Visiting hours will be held on Sunday, July 6th from 2 to 5 pm in the Silva Funeral Home. Additional parking with handicap access is located on the North side of the funeral home.
For expressions of sympathy, to sign an online guestbook, plant a tree in his memory or to light a memorial candle, visit www.silvafuneralhome.com
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