Joseph Sylvia

SYLVIA, JOSEPH E., 28,

of Sarasota, FL. and Fall River, MA, died Monday, October 4, in a fatal car accident.

Born on March 23, 1982, Joseph was loving son of Kathleen (McCann) Sylvia and the late William Sylvia. He was a graduate of Holy Name School, Fall River, MA in 1996 and of La Salle High School, Providence, RI, in 2000. He earned a Bachelor's degree in Social Work from Western Connecticut State University in 2004 and a Master's degree in Social Work from Florida State University in 2006. Joseph worked for several places as a social worker, but primarily for the Veterans' Affairs Administration in St. Petersburg, FL. He recently greatly enjoyed his experience coaching at Cardinal Mooney High School and working at the Pines of Sarasota, Inc. Although Joseph's life was short, he enjoyed the company of family and friends and outdoor recreation, especially playing baseball.

In addition to his mother, Joseph is survived by his brother Rev. William Sylvia of MA, his grandmother, Mary Horne of MA, and Nina Amaral of Sarasota, FL. He leaves behind three aunts, Mary McCormack of MA, Martha Rose of RI and Ellen Doyle of RI, as well as many uncles, cousins, and friends from Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, and Florida.

Funeral from the Bolea-Amici Funeral Home, 115 North Main Street, Mansfield, on Tuesday, October 12, at 9:30am, followed by a Funeral Mass at St. Mary's Church, 330 Pratt Street Street (Rt. 106), Mansfield at 10:30am. Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend. Visiting hours will be held on Monday from 4-8 pm. Burial will be private. Donations may be made in Joseph's memory to St. Mary's Parish,330 Pratt Street, Mansfield, MA 02048 for one of the new stained glass windows in the Church's family room. boleafuneralservices.com