Obituary of Jerome Silvia

Jerome "Jerry" L. Silvia passed away at Stanford Hospital after battling a long illness on Wednesday, October 10, 2012 at the age of 70. Jerry was a Santa Cruz native who was born and lived here his entire life and was first generation. His parents, Joseph and Mary Silvia, immigrated from the Azores, Portugal through Ellis Island, New York. He was a family man who loved not only his immediate family, but, both, his and Donna's extended family and kept close contact with them throughout his life. He was sensitive to other peoples' needs and handicaps and did his best to not just give them a hand out, but the tools for them to succeed. He is survived and lovingly remembered by his wife, Donna, of 44 years who he married on July 22, 1967; and his son, Mark Silvia, a brother in law and family, a myriad of cousins and life long friends. Jerry went from kindergarten to high school at Holly Cross and continued with his degree in electronics from Santa Clara University and a master's degree program through Applied Technology. Jerry had rich careers with Sylvania, Applied Technology, Widcomm and, the last 15 years, with Mitsubishi as Vice President. After retiring, for the last 15 years, he started his own business, Silvia Classics. He collected repaired and restored vintage ribbon microphones from all over the world. He was inventive and designed a new modern line of ribbon microphones. Jerry was an avid collector for 15 years of A.C. Gilbert American Flyer train sets, Erector sets and many other products. Plus, he was a member of several toy train operating clubs and put up large train displays during Christmas for others to enjoy. Jerry enjoyed inventing, getting bargains at antique stores and garage sales, cooking and spending time with friends and family. Jerry, we love you and miss you deeply. Please join a family Celebration of Jerry's life which will be held on Sunday, October 28, 2012 from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Peachwood Steakhouse at 555 Highway 17 in Santa Cruz. Phone: (831) 426-6333. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations to be made to Heartland Hospice of Santa Cruz.