Obituary published on Legacy.com by Day Funeral Home - Keyport on Oct. 1, 2025.
In Loving Memory of Gregg Anthony Silva Beloved Husband, Father, Brother, Uncle, and Friend January 1, 1958 – July 3, 2025
Gregg Anthony Silva, 67, passed away peacefully on July 3, 2025, surrounded by love. A lifelong New Jersey resident, Gregg was born and raised in Matawan and later built a joyful, devoted life with his family in Freehold.
He was the beloved husband of Sharon and the proudest father to his daughter, Julia. Gregg was the kind of dad who never missed a moment - always there for anything big or small. His daily phone calls with Julia, full of stories, advice, and a lot of laughter, were one of the many ways he showed his love.
Gregg's devotion to Sharon was abundant and constant - he was her biggest fan, most loyal teammate, and lifelong partner in every sense of the word. Whether it was a trip to Disney, a night watching sports, or a simple Sunday together, he made sure Sharon knew she was cherished.
Gregg graduated from Matawan High School and earned his degree from Montclair State University. He dedicated his career to public service and community building, working with United Skates of America, the Union County Parks Department, and finally as Director of Parks and Recreation for Middletown Township. In retirement, he kept his love for people and public spaces alive as a ticket taker for the Jersey Shore BlueClaws baseball team.
An active member and past president of the New Jersey Recreation and Parks Association and longtime member of the National Recreation and Parks Association, Gregg's impact on New Jersey's parks and communities will be felt for generations.
Gregg had an incredible gift for connection. On every holiday, big or small, he sent thoughtful texts to friends and family, just to let them know he was thinking of them. Wherever he went, he ran into someone he knew. He had a way of making people feel seen, remembered, and important. His friends often joked that he was "like the mayor," because it seemed like he knew everyone. And if he didn't, he'd make a new friend before he left the room.
He was also a man of many passions. A loyal New York Yankees and New York Giants fan, he loved being at the stadium, surrounded by the energy of the game. He was a true Disney enthusiast from Disney World trips as a Vacation Club member to pin trading, where he found a community of lifelong friends. He was also a dedicated youth soccer coach for his daughter's teams in Freehold and Battle of Monmouth Fire.
He is survived by his loving wife Sharon, daughter Julia, and brother Alan. He also leaves behind mother-in-law Kay, sister-in-law April, nieces Michele, Laura, Jennifer and Tara, nephews Lance and Dereck, and great-nieces and nephews Nico, Sophia, Mila, Amelia, Douglas, Luca, Mateo, Brad, Lexi and Ava.
Gregg was predeceased by his parents Carmen and Manuel "Jiggs", his grandmother Claudina, his father-in-law Donald, brothers-in-law John and Dennis, and sisters-in-law Violet and Dottie.
His presence was steady, kind, and full of heart. Gregg lived a life of generosity, laughter, and love-and his absence will be felt as deeply as his life was celebrated.
Visitation will be held 4 PM to 8 PM on Monday, July 7th and again 10 AM to 11 AM on Tuesday, July 8th at Day Funeral Home in
Keyport, New Jersey. A Funeral Service will be held 11 AM on Tuesday, July 8th at the funeral home. Interment will follow at Fairview Cemetery, NJ. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to the Monmouth County SPCA where he found his best buddy Archie. To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Gregg, please visit our Tree Store.