Obituary of Richard E Silvia

Richard Edward Silvia, a lifelong Burlington resident and a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and respected youth hockey coach, passed away on Tuesday, December 31, 2024, at the age of 67 after a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s Disease.

Rick was born in Brighton, MA, to Richard C. and Catherine Silvia. He grew up in Burlington, where he was a gifted athlete, particularly in hockey. A proud graduate of Austin Preparatory School (Class of 1975), Rick went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in business from Northeastern University. He enjoyed a successful 30-year career as a facilities and property manager for Verizon until retiring when he began experiencing memory challenges that would ultimately define his battle with Alzheimer’s.

Rick was a fixture in the Burlington Youth Hockey community. Inspired by the coaches who shaped his own love for the game, he began coaching in 1980 and continued to mentor young athletes until 2010. His dedication to the sport was evident as he coached teams at various levels, including the elite Senators hockey team. For many years, he worked alongside Coach Mike Bonish, Mark Pelletier, Joe Flammia, and Robert Kirchner, specializing in defense, while also coaching both of his sons. Rick’s coaching style was a blend of positivity, patience, and clear communication, leaving an indelible mark on all his players. His wisdom, both on and off the ice, instilled life lessons that shaped his players into strong, respectful individuals. One of his proudest moments was coaching the Senators to a National Championship in 2001. Many of his players went on to play college hockey, with a few reaching the professional level. Yet, regardless of their future in the sport, Rick’s impact on their lives endured.

Outside of hockey, Rick’s greatest love was his family. He met his wife, Susan, in the apartment building where they both lived, and from the moment they began dating in September 1982, he knew they were destined to be together. They married in August 1984 and made Burlington their home, where they raised their two sons, Ricky and Jason. Together, they were a true team, supporting each other through life’s joys and challenges. As a father, Rick was fully invested in his sons’ lives, offering unwavering encouragement in their pursuits and proudly watching them grow into successful, compassionate adults. He cherished seeing them marry wonderful women Tayla and Hannah, who became like daughters to him, and was overjoyed to become a grandfather to Hudson, Rowan, Parker, and Rylee. Family vacations to Cape Cod, New Hampshire, Maine, and Canada, as well as ski trips with extended family, were highlights of his life. He also enjoyed more tranquil moments working on his garden with Susan and watching his beloved Red Sox, Bruins, and Patriots with family by his side. As they became empty nesters, they enjoyed many trips to Europe with Rick’s brother Tom and wife Sue, and his sister Linda and fiancé Paul.

As Alzheimer’s gradually took its toll, Rick’s family, especially his wife Susan, remained steadfast in their support, always ensuring he was cared for with dignity and love. It is their heartfelt wish to remember Rick not for the illness that robbed him of his golden years, but for the incredible man he was—a devoted family man, a dedicated coach, and a person whose sense of humor and engaging personality brightened the lives of all who knew him.

Rick is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Susan E. (Lund) Silvia of Burlington; his proud sons, Richard “Ricky” Silvia and his wife Tayla of Burlington, and Jason Silvia and his wife Hannah of Pembroke; and his cherished grandchildren, Hudson, Rowan, Parker, and Rylee. He was the son of the late Richard C. Silvia and Catherine (Fraser) Silvia of Burlington. Rick was the dear brother of Tom Silvia and his wife Sue of Jackson, NH, and Linda Hebert and her fiancé Paul Goss of Chelmsford. He was the brother-in-law of Karen Downer of Billerica, Janice Lund of Billerica, and Bob Lund of Hudson, NH. Rick is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and friends who loved him dearly.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Margaret’s Church in St. Veronica Parish, 111 Winn Street, Burlington, on Saturday, January 4, 2025, at 10 a.m. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Rick’s name may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org/manh, 320 Nevada St. #201, Newton, MA 02460. Arrangements are under the direction of the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home in Burlington.