Edward P. Sylvia

Edward P. Sylvia, 82, of E. Freetown, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 21, 2020 at home following a long illness. He was the husband of Cynthia (Cindy) Sylvia with whom he shared 57 beautiful years of marriage.

Born in New Bedford, son of the late Antone and Mary (Pimental) Sylvia, he was raised in North Fairhaven and resided with his wife and family in E. Freetown for the past 48 years.

Husband, father, grandfather, uncle, brother, friend and coach were some of the many roles he played as he spread love, humor, wisdom, sportsmanship and authenticity to all who know him in his lifetime.

An accomplished player, Edward was a four-sport athlete at Fairhaven High School, earning ten Varsity letters for his accomplishments as a halfback in football, guard in basketball, shortstop in baseball and tennis player. In 1955, as Captain of the basketball team, he was granted the Most Valuable Player Award and subsequently was the recipient of the Sparrow Cup as the most outstanding athlete in his class. That year, Ed was selected to the Standard Times “All Bristol County” All-star Team in basketball and baseball. He was later inducted into the FHS Hall of Fame for his all sports proficiency. He continued playing basketball while earning an Associate’s degree from Dean Jr. College in Franklin and then proceeded to make outstanding contributions to the basketball, baseball and soccer teams at New Bedford Institute of Technology, (now UMass Dartmouth) where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Textile Technology. In his home town of East Freetown, he coached little league and for many years worked as an assistant basketball coach and girls softball coach at Old Colony Regional Vocational Technical High School after retiring from a 32 year career at the United States Research Development Engineering Command Center. Ed was a Veteran of the Army Reserves and was an active parishioner at St. John Neumann Church.

Surviving in addition to his wife, Cindy, are his sons, Jay E. Sylvia of Onset, Paul Sylvia of Dartmouth and Glen Sylvia and his wife, Jennifer of Florida; his sister, Elaine Marshall of Fairhaven; three beloved grandchildren, Kayla, Jewelya and Jay; his extended family includes sister-in-law, Barbara Bernard, brother-in-law, Bruce Barros, one niece and nine nephews.

Family and friends are invited to pay respects at Rock Funeral Home, 1285 Ashley Boulevard, New Bedford on Friday, February 28 from 4-8 pm. His Funeral will be held on Saturday, February 29, 2020 at 9 am from the Rock Funeral Home followed by a Funeral Mass at 10 a.m. in St. John Neumann Church, 157 Middleboro Rd., E. Freetown. Burial is private. For online tributes, please visit: www.rock-funeralhome.com