James M. Sylvia, 92, of New Bedford passed away Sunday January 10, 2021.
Born in New Bedford, the son of the late Joseph and Mary (Moniz) Sylvia, he lived in New Bedford and Acushnet for most of his life.
He was a communicant of St. Mary’s Church.
Mr. Sylvia began his long career in retail as a buyer at the Star Store and Cherry & Webb, eventually becoming the manager of Cherry & Webb in New Bedford and Fall River. He had also been the Vice President of the Yankee Trader in Padanaram and Newport, RI. In his later years, he served as an assistant to Mayor Rosemary Tierney for six years before closing out his working career at the Bristol County Probate and Family Court in New Bedford.
During World War II, he served in the U.S. Army.
Long active in many civic, charitable, and social organizations, Jimmy served as a Vice President of Junior Achievement in New Bedford and Fall River, President of the Junior Chamber of Commerce, President of the New Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce, President of the New Bedford Kiwanis Club, President of the Catholic Theater Guild, President of the Downtown Business Associations in New Bedford and Fall River, Board Member of the Wamsutta Club, and Director of the Boys and Girls Club of New Bedford. He has been a member of the Wamsutta Club and the Country Club of New Bedford for over 50 years. He was also involved in the Candlelight Ball for the Schwartz Center for Children.
He is survived by his companion of 50 years, Mona Provencher, her children, Marc Provencher of Worcester, Andrew Provencher and his wife Dawn of New York City, and Mary Jane Provencher of Cape Coral, FL, and her grandchildren, Kayla, Jenna, and Evan Provencher. He also leaves his nephews, Garrett Silvia and William Sylvia, and his niece, Marilyn Sylvia, as well as several great-nieces and great-nephews.
He was the brother of the late William Silvia, Alice Sylvia, and his twin, Louis Sylvia, and uncle of the late John Sylvia and Mary Louise Rogers.
Due to current gathering restrictions, his funeral service and burial in St. John’s Cemetery will be private. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to The Humane Society & Shelter Southcoast, 31 Ventura Drive, Dartmouth, MA 02747. Arrangements are by the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford. For online condolence book, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.