Norman A. Sylvia, 85, of Venice, FL passed away peacefully in his home on February 2, 2021 surrounded by family. He was predeceased by his loving wife, Joan (Manning) Sylvia, to whom he was married for 59 years.
Born in New Bedford, MA he was the son of the late Anthony J. Sylvia and Alice (Gauthier) Sylvia. He lived in New Bedford most of his life before moving to Fairhaven and then Venice several years ago.
Norman was a graduate of New Bedford Vocational High School. He apprenticed at Cape Cod Standard Times for six years as a printer, went to the Providence Journal-Bulletin where he retired after 36 years, as a staff photographer. As a member of the National Press Photographers Association, he won a number of national and regional awards for his news pictures. His most noted accomplishment was the 1979 first place award for the “Best Picture Story of the Year” by the NPPA at their annual photo contest. While in Florida, he continued his interest in photography as a member of Dimage, a digital photography club.
He enjoyed sailing with his wife and children for many years. They spent vacations and weekends at Vineyard Haven. In Venice, he was an active member and volunteer in the Japanese Gardens community.
Survivors include his daughter, Anne Marie and her husband, Scott Gardner of Durham, NC and his son, Timothy James and his wife, Cathy Cross, of Columbia, MD. His grandchildren include Matthew Cross, Andrew Sylvia, Edward (Ted) Sylvia, Eric Gardner, Andrew Gardner and three great grandsons. He is also survived by his brother-in-law, Richard L. Pepin of Fairhaven, his niece Joan Pepin Woods and a number of cousins.
His Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Saturday August 28, 2021 at 10 AM at Holy Name of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, 121 Mt. Pleasant St., New Bedford. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Friday August 27, 2021 from 4-7 PM at the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd., Route 6, Mattapoisett. For online condolence book, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be offered to St Jude’s Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude’s Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or The Salvation Army, 619 Purchase St. New Bedford, MA 02740.
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