Joseph Silhavy

Silhavy, Joseph L.
Joseph Leopold Silhavy, age 80, of Easton, retired Easton Police Sergeant, died on Wednesday, August 5, 2015 in St. Vincent's Medical Center. Born in Bridgeport on March 20, 1935, he was the son of the late Joseph and Susan (Bendik) Silhavy. In his youth, the family moved to Easton during the growing season to care for the family farm. He attended Samuel Staples and later Bullard-Havens Technical High School. Joe entered the U.S. Air Force in 1953 and served during the Korean War. Upon his return from Korea, he was stationed in Newburgh, New York. He was honorably discharged and then served as a full-time Easton firefighter from 1957 to 1963 before switching careers to become an officer with the Easton Police Department. In 1961 he married the love of his life, Barbara Ann Anderson. Joe and Barbara settled in Easton to raise their family. He retired as Police Sergeant in 1987. After his retirement from the police department, he was employed by People's Bank as a Credit Card Fraud Investigator. He was president of the International Association of Credit Card Fraud Investigators, and enjoyed organizing international meetings where he formed many friendships. Joe was never the kind of guy who liked to watch things happen, he wanted to be involved in making his community the best it can be. He served as Selectman in Easton, Chairman of the Easton Park and Recreation Department, Constable, Justice of the Peace, Samuel Staples School Building Committee, Measurer of Wood, and the board of directors of the Bridgeport Symphony Youth Orchestra in the 80's. He was chair of the Easton Day Committee, and organized antique shows for the Easton Exchange Club as Fund Raising Chair.
In 1958 he became a member of Ashlar-Aspetuck Masonic Lodge #142 in Easton where he was elected Master in 1988. He was a member of many Masonic appendant bodies which included Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite in the Valley of Bridgeport, Darien York Rite Bodies- Trinity Commandery #3, Washington Council #6, and Rittenhouse Royal Arch Masons #11, and was honored to be a member of Pyramid Shriners #9 in Stratford.
Joe was a member of Salem Lutheran Church in Bridgeport where he served on the church council and building committee during the 1990's.
Joe was predeceased by his beloved wife Barbara. He is survived by his sons, Joseph Silhavy, and his wife Jan of Reisterstown, MD; Darrin Silhavy, and his wife Donna of Easton, CT; his grandchildren, Rachel Silhavy and Alexis Silhavy, of Reisterstown, MD; T.J. Silhavy and Jenna Silhavy, of Easton, CT; his nieces, Susan Madden of Nevada, Darlene and Patty Raytar of Bridgeport, Thomas Raytar of Fairfield, Carl Raytar of Stratford, and Gary Raytar of Easton. Two brothers-in-law, Harold Anderson and Herbert Anderson of Stuart, FL; and many cousins. Joe was predeceased by his sisters, Mildred Raytar, Eleanor Ahlberg, and Evelyn Nicholas.
Joe's family would like to extend a sincere thank you to his caregivers, Debbie and Jackie, Dr. Michael Cafaro, and the nurses, doctors, and aides at St. Vincent's Medical Center for the wonderful care and compassion shown to both Joe and his family.
Funeral services will take place on Friday, August 14th at 11:00 am at Salem Lutheran Church, 3160 Park Avenue, Bridgeport, CT, immediately followed by burial at Union Cemetery, 850 Sport Hill Rd., Easton. Friends may call on Thursday, August 13th from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Larson Funeral Home, 2496 North Avenue, Bridgeport, CT. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Shriners Hospital for Children Springfield, Code Cart Fund, 516 Carew St. Springfield, MA 01104, Salem Lutheran Church - 3160 Park Avenue, Bridgeport, CT 06604, or the Scottish Rite Children's Dyslexia Center of Connecticut Inc. 529 Highland Avenue, Waterbury, CT 06708
BR>