Richard “Dick” Armory Sylvia, age 85, passed away April 7, 2018 at St. Luke’s Hospital. He was the husband of the late Natalie (Ibrahim) Sylvia with whom he shared 35 years of marriage and the companion of the late Dorothy Michael of Tiverton, RI. Born in New Bedford, he was the son of the late Joseph A. and Evelyn (Armory) Sylvia.
Dick was a graduate of New Bedford High School where he played on the football team as an offensive guard.
He served in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict. He worked as the Assistant Department Chief of Taxes for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for 43 years. Dick created the Taxpayer Assistance Program at the Department of Revenue to help the citizens of the commonwealth be better served.
His joys of life included: golfing with his brother Ray, nephew Mark Ibrahim in the Tuesday night league. Neil Diamond concerts, dancing, and his dogs Angel, Buttons, Abbey, Rigby, and Winnie. He was a fan of the Red Sox and Patriots, he was a long-time member of the Allendale Country Club, he enjoyed spending time with family; especially his granddaughter Samantha.
Survivors include a son, Richard “Rick” W. Sylvia and his wife Diane, a granddaughter Samantha Oliviera and her husband James, a sister Elsie Louro and her late husband Paul of New Bedford, three brothers: Raymond Sylvia and his wife Shirley of New Bedford, Ronald Sylvia and his wife Delia of New Bedford and Joe Sylvia and his wife Linda of Florida. He was the brother of the late Cynthia Sylvia and a beloved uncle to many nieces and nephews.
His Funeral will be held at the WARING-SULLIVAN HOME at Dartmouth at 9:30am on Friday, April 13, 2018 followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30am at Mount Carmel Church, Rivet Street, New Bedford. Visitation will be held Thursday from 4-8pm. Burial in St John Cemetery, New Bedford. In the memory of Dick, donations may be made to the charity of your choice. For tributes and directions: www.waring-sullivan.com
