Kenneth Silvestri

Silvestri, Kenneth, age 93, of Hawthorne, on Sunday, September 14, 2025. Born on his family's kitchen table at 54 North 8th Street, Ken was a lifelong resident of Hawthorne. Attending Washington Elementary School until 5th grade, Ken graduated 8th grade from Franklin School and went on to attend Hawthorne High School. While in high school, he played football for four years and was a member of the Student Council before graduating in 1950. Later in life, Ken continued his education while working full-time. He eventually graduated from William Paterson University at the age of 50 with a Bachelor of Science Degree.

He served as a sailor in the United States Navy Reserve from 1950-1954. After his service, Ken worked for the Curtiss-Wright Corporation, manufacturing airplane parts. He then worked as a Surveyor for Passaic County Engineering before starting his career as a field agent for the New Jersey State Alcohol Beverage Control, eventually becoming Chief Inspector. When the New Jersey State Police absorbed the ABC in 1979, Ken became an investigator. After 26 years, Ken retired in 1985 and opened his own Private Detective Business, investigating food and beverage establishments. Ken was past President and Silver Card Life Member of the State PBA Local #104 and a current member of the PBA Local #600.

Ken service as a firemen began at age 17, when he would follow his father to the firehouse and started to learn the trade. By age 21, Ken officially became a fireman with Hawthorne Fire Company No. 3. He was a devoted and active fireman throughout his life and was a member of the Hawthorne Fire Department for more than 70 years, serving as past President, Treasurer and current trustee of Fire Company No. 3. Ken also served as the Secretary of the Hawthorne Firemen's Relief Association and was past Vice President of the Passaic County Firemen's Association. In addition to being a life member of the New Jersey State Firemen's Association and the New Jersey State Exempt Firemen's Association, Ken served as a clerk for the Hawthorne Board of Fire Commissioners for 16 years. He was also the Passaic County Manager of the New Jersey State Firemen's Home in Boonton. His civic duty expanded even further as a charter member of the Hawthorne Jaycees, a member of the Hawthorne Board of Adjustment, a volunteer driver for Senior Citizens' shopping and a volunteer member of the Advisory Board at St. Joseph's Home in Totowa.

Ken was also a faithful parishioner of St. Anthony R.C. Church in Hawthorne, where he was a charter member of the St. Anthony Knights of Columbus #5920. He served as a parish trustee and was a member of the St. Vincent DePaul Society, the Holy Name Society and the St. Anthony's Building Fund.

Amidst all of his other volunteering endeavors, Ken also served as a member of the Board of Directors for the Green Pond Corporation. Ken's philosophy was, "When one volunteers, her or she is giving a precious gift to others."

Married in 1955, Ken was the beloved husband of the late Dorothy (nee: Drennan) Silvestri (2024) for 69 years. Loving father of Jeri Ann Kavanagh of Hawthorne, Joni Ann Huston and her husband Barry of Hawthorne and Ellen Marie Schroter and her husband Dave of Hawthorne. Dear grandfather of Kimberly Hiza and her husband Robert of Franklin Lakes, Peter G. Kavanagh of Hawthorne, Barilyn Huston of Ringwood, Nicholas Schroter and his wife Cara of Franklin Lakes, Bryan Schroter and his wife Stephanie of Montclair and the late Kenneth Kavanagh (1979). Dearest great-grandfather of Milena, Max, Emma, Skylar, Jack and Olivia. Ken was predeceased by his brothers Neil Silvestri and John Silvestri.

Funeral will depart at 9:00am on Saturday, September 20, 2025 from the Browning-Forshay Funeral Home, 557 Lafayette Ave., Hawthorne, for a 9:30am funeral mass at St. Anthony R.C. Church in Hawthrone. Interment will follow at Laurel Grove Memorial Park in Totowa. Friends may visit with the family at the funeral home on Friday from 4:00-8:00pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Hawthorne Fire Company #3, 112 Goffle Road, Hawthorne, NJ 07506.