Colman P. Sili

Colman P. Sili passed away at his home under the care of Hospice Savannah, and his loving wife in Savannah, Georgia on June 10, 2025.

Colman was preceded in death by his father, Frank Sili, his mother, Elizabeth Toth, as well as brothers Frank and Ernest Sili and sister Dorothy Racy. He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Dorothy Karbe Sili; and his four children, Jeffery Sili (Susan), of Bowling Green, Virginia, Donna Schwager (Alan) of Glassboro New Jersey, Karen Weber (Richard) of Summerfield Florida, and Raymond Sili of Savannah Georgia. He is also survived by six grandchildren, Aaron Schwager (Suzanne), Jason Schwager, Gregory Schwager (Lena), Corey Mach, Kyra Mach, and Gina Cowell (Christian). He is survived by 11 greatgrandchildren.

Colman was educated in Cleveland public schools. He joined the US Army and was stationed at Fort Bragg. He served from 1953 to1955 and was discharged with the rank of corporal. Colman met his wife, Dorothy (Karbe) Sili in Geneva, Ohio. They were married June 8th 1957 at St. Michael's Catholic church in Cleveland, Ohio. He attended Max Hayes Trade School in Cleveland where he graduated as a certified machinist mechanic. He worked in several companies, advancing his skills from gasoline engines to diesel engines. He became an expert Detroit-Diesel engine rebuilder at WW Williams Company. After raising their four children in Brunswick, Ohio, he was transferred by his company, WW Williams to Savannah, Georgia and retired in 1998 after 28 years. After retiring in Savannah, he moved to Palm Coast, Florida in 1999. While there, for ten years he was a popular employee for Walmart in the garden department sharing his knowledge of planting and gardening with customers. He also worked for his daughter, Karen when she opened a donut shop in Bunnell, Fl before moving back to Savannah, Ga in 2013.

Colman was an active member and regular communicant at St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church. He served on the Hospitality Committee for many years. Colman joined the Savannah Elks # 183 in 2016 where he was a very active member. In 2023, he received the Elk of the Year Award. He was also an active member of Woodmen of the World (Woodmen Life), participating in community outreach projects. He showed his support for his community by being a dedicated poll worker for a number of years, being recognized as the oldest poll worker at the age of 90. His favorite hobbies were fishing, boating and gardening and giving gardening advice to his many friends and neighbors.

In retirement, he and his wife loved to go on cruises and travel to visit their four children, the grandchildren and great grandchildren. This "Dad" and "Grandpa" will be sorely missed.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be sent to the Savannah Elks 183, 183 Wilshire Blvd. Savannah GA 31419 or Hospice Savannah, 1352 Eisenhower Dr. Savannah GA 31406 or St Frances Cabrini Catholic Church Building Fund, 11500 Middleground Rd. Savannah GA 31419.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, August 8, 2025 at St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church. A reception will follow at #183 Elks Lodge, 183 Wilshire Blvd., Savannah, Georgia.