Douglas Edward Silvia

Douglas E. Silvia, 90, of Portsmouth, RI, died on February 20, 2026 after a short illness. He was the beloved husband of the late Shirley (Peary) Silvia. Born in Newport, RI on April 10, 1935, He was the youngest of nine children to Joseph and Mary Silvia. As a very young man he began a lifetime of hard work, first with his father delivering coal. Soon he found the opportunity to be an equipment operator for several well-established local businesses, including Hugo Key, Mello Construction, and Cawley Construction.

In retirement he and Shirley enjoyed many adventures around the globe, with several cruises and trips to Europe, they found many beautiful corners of the world. In addition to travel, they found a wonderful second home spending many winters in Goodyear, Arizona. Doug was also a proud supporter of the Plum Beach Lighthouse Association, right alongside Shirley. Later in life he found wonderful friendship with regular visits to the Portsmouth Dunkin, sharing stories and laughs with the other customers and the staff.

Douglas is survived by a son, Douglas 'Dusty' Silvia of Bristol, RI, and a daughter Ann Knowles of Wakefield, RI, and his step children Faith Zabriskie of North Kingstown, RI, and John Zabriskie of Charlestown, RI.

Douglas is preceded in death by his wife Shirley Silvia and eight older siblings.

Visiting hours will be held on Saturday, March 7, 2026 from 10:00 AM - 12:30 PM at Memorial Funeral Home, 375 Broadway, Newport followed by a graveside service at 1:00 PM at Newport Memorial Park, Vaucluse Ave, Middletown, RI.



Online Tribute at www.memorialfuneralhome.com