Mr Joseph R. Silvia Jr

On April 11th, the world lost a true original-a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and uncle. Joe was married to the love of his life, Donna, for 54 years, and together they shared a beautiful life with their daughter, Stefanie. He was the brother of the late William "Billy" Silvia, Eileen Botelho and Roger Alves.
Joe joined the Marines before meeting Donna and was very proud to serve his country. After the Marines, he worked at Converse for over 25 years, where his love for sneakers began. As a lifelong Bristol resident, he was known to many as "Stock car" for his love of car racing but later known as "Chicken Joe" to his grandchildren.
He married Donna, on December 13, 1969-a date he never forgot, thanks to her gentle reminders. Together, they shared a life full of love, laughter, travel, with countless adventures around the world-especially to Las Vegas!
Father to Stefanie, whom he taught to fix everything from cars to toilets, how to properly maintain everything in a yard and to always laugh at everything! She inherited his "dessert pocket", that was always empty no matter how full he was.
A plumber by trade, he worked with his brother Billy for many years. He could fix anything and was a self-taught mechanic, carpenter, and painter. He enjoyed walking miles around Bristol for many years. In his later years he loved sitting on his front step with his dogs Khona and Kauri and watching the happenings on Dewolf Avenue.
He lived a very long, happy life filled with laughter, love, and a never-ending quest for the next sweet treat. He was fortunate to have almost 94 years traveling the world, attending boxing fights, taking rides with his wife and dogs through Colt State Park, reading the newspaper every day and spending time with his family and friends. He wouldn't want us to mourn but to celebrate the joy he brought into our lives.
He leaves behind a legacy of love through his wife Donna, daughter Stefanie, her wife Kim, and his grandchildren Jeremy, Cole, and Cassie; in addition to many nieces, nephews, in laws and cousins.
A celebration of a life well lived service will be held at Sansone Funeral Home, 192 Wood Street, Bristol, Thursday, May 1st, on what would have been his 94th birthday from 3-6PM. In celebration of Joe's vibrant spirit, please wear something colorful or patterned-car-themed shirts especially welcome-as we gather to remember him.
In lieu of flowers, please honor Joe's memory by making someone laugh or smile with a small act of kindness-just as he always made us smile.