Gilbert Silvia Jr., 89, born June 8, 1931, passed away Monday, Sept. 7, 2020, with his loving wife of 68 years by his side.
He served in the U.S. Air Force for 24 years, retiring with the rank of master sargent. His assignments included bases in Idaho, California, Maine, Tennessee, Virginia, Germany, France, England, as well as tours in Vietnam and Saudi Arabia.
Upon retirement from the U.S. Army, he worked for the Newport News Sheriffs Department for 18 years, retiring with the rank of captain. He then served with the U.S. Marshals Service for a short time before officially hanging up his work uniform.
He was an active member in the Knights of Columbus councils John F. Kennedy Assembly 1164 and Mary Star of the Sea 511 in Hampton. He was an active parishioner at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Hampton, and a regular at the Saturday evening Mass.
He enjoyed firearms, both collecting and the history behind each piece. He loved any and all types of western history and movies. He and wife Margaret loved to take their R.V. to music festivals, where they made many friends and shared wonderful memories.
He is survived by his wife; sons, Steve, and his wife, Michella, of Washington, D.C., and Gary, and his wife, Jackie, of Williamsburg; and daughter, Susan of Gloucester. He was blessed with five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
The family will receive friends from 4 to 6 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 13, at Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home, 2551 N. Armistead Ave., Hampton. A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m., Monday, Sept. 14, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 512 Buckroe Ave., Hampton.
Share online condolences with the family at Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home.
