Obituary of William Silvestri

William Blaise Silvestri Jr, age 88, died at home on Saturday September 9 after a long battle with cancer. Born on December 24, 1928 in New York City, he grew up in North Bergen, NJ and lived in Fort Lee, NJ and Augusta, GA but spent most of his adult life in Leonia, NJ.   After graduating from Stevens Institute of Technology in 1952 with a Mechanical Engineering degree, Bill spent two years in the Army.  After the Army, Bill spent 25 years with Curtiss Wright before spending 5 years as Vice President at Legion Utensils and finishing his career with John Deere.
Bill was active in the Leonia community.   He was chairman of the Civic conference.  He served on the school board from 1970 to 1976, the last three years as President.  While president he oversaw the building of the current Leonia High School.  He was a vice President of the planning board.   A member of the St Johns Parish since 1959, Bill spent many years as lectern.
Bill leaves behind his loving wife Norma Silvestri of Leonia, NJ, his five sons, William Silvestri III of Huntington Beach, CA, Peter Silvestri of Southport, CT, Stephen Silvestri of Miami Beach, FL, Jeffrey Silvestri of Phoenix, MD and James Silvestri of Beverly, MA, his ten grandchildren, Aileen, William, Peter, Jennifer, Erin, Daniel, Emma, Katherine, Julia, and Hannah, and his daughter-in-law’s, Sherry, Mary, Alison, and Shannon. A wake will be held at Frank Patti Funeral home in Fort Lee, NJ on Friday, September 15 from 4 PM to 8 PM.  A memorial mass will be held at St John’s of Leonia at 11 AM on Saturday, September 16.  In lieu of flowers please make contributions to the John Theurer Cancer Center or the charity of your choice. For condolences, directions, or information call (201) 944-0100 or www.frankpatti.com