James Sylvia, 90, passed away peacefully on 6/11/26. Submitted photo.
James Patrick Sylvia
James “Jim” Patrick Sylvia, 90, passed away peacefully on June 11, 2026, after a long illness.
He was born in New Bedford to the late Domingo and Margaret (Maloney) Sylvia. After graduating from Fairhaven High in 1953, Jim served in the Army and started a family in Indiana. He returned to Fairhaven 26 years later, where he would remain.
A duct tape and WD-40 aficionado with a soft spot for dogs, Jim didn’t suffer fools. He was a dad, through and through.
Jim took guardianship of his grandson, Ryan, at age 2 and raised him like a son. Decades later, Ryan returned home to be there for Jim, taking on the role of primary caregiver when his health declined.
He was preceded in death by his brother, Joseph Sylvia.
He is survived by his children, Jeanne, Cathlene, Patricia, and Karin; his sister, Faith Hunsinger; his grandchildren, Tera, Ryan, Edward, April, Stephanie, Ashley, and Thomas.
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