“The Rick” was born on July 5, 1957 in New Bedford, MA to Richard and Natalie (Ibrahim) Sylvia. He graduated from New Bedford High School in 1975 and then went on to graduate from the Massachusetts Police Academy (held in Fall River) in December 1979. Upon graduation, he was assigned to the Fall River office of the Division of Marine and Recreational Vehicles, which later became the Massachusetts’s Environmental Police, where he worked for over 32 years. In 1985, he was assigned to the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office and worked for the Office of Environmental Crimes Strike Force and later worked out of the Hyannis office patrolling the waters of Cape Cod on the patrol boat Evelyn. He was promoted to Detective Sergeant and was assigned to the Office of Boating Safety, where his primary duties were to investigate recreational vehicle fatalities and serious injury accidents. Rick also taught the U.S. Coast Guard boating safety course to thousands of Massachusetts’ residents, including fifteen years teaching on the faculty of Sea Lab Marine Science Education Center and at many high schools throughout the South Coast. Rick made a lasting impact on the lives of many Massachusetts’ boaters and future boaters.
On June 5, 1982 he married the love of his life Diane (Marshall) Sylvia. They were happily married for over 38 years. They raised one daughter, Samantha (Sylvia) Oliviera and their four-legged kids Abbey Road, Eleanor Rigby, and Winnie. He had a passion for golfing whether he was playing at Allendale Country Club, where he was a member for over 25 years or traveling across the country to play with his golf buddies and family. He loved to read books and his favorite subject matter was the Kennedy family and especially all the “theories” regarding the JFK assassination. Rick was also an aquarium hobbyist and had just achieved his dream of starting a salt water marine tank. He was known for his great strength, sensitivity, limitless compassion, great love of his entire family, strong hugs, robust laugh, and infectious smile. Rick was a true friend to all.
Richard was proceeded in death by his father Richard A. (Dick) Sylvia, and his mother Natalie (Ibrahim). He is survived by his wife Diane, his daughter Samantha, his favorite son in law James and the newest light of his life, his grandson Brody, Mother-in-law, sister in law, brothers in law, aunts, uncles, many cousins, nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, and several godchildren.
There will be no immediate services due to the COVID epidemic limitations. At some time in the future, we will have a celebration of his life.
In lieu of flowers or gifts, a scholarship fund is being developed in his name to help students with a passion for environmental and marine sciences to attend Sea Lab each year. Donations can be made in his name to: Sea Lab Marine Science Education 71 Portland Street, New Bedford MA 02744. For online tribute: www.rock-funeralhome.com.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.9.5