Commander Richard Alfred DiSilvestro, USNRet., was born in New Brunswick, New Jersey, August 23, 1932. He graduated from St. Peter’s High School where he was active in sports, especially football. He then went on to graduate from the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, with a Bachelors of Arts in Political Science, in 1955. He then entered Officer Candidate School for flight training in Pensacola, Florida, where he began his Navy career. While stationed at Norfolk Naval Air Station in Norfolk, Virginia, he met and married Dawn Huff DiSilvestro in 1959. They had four children: Kathryn Elizabeth DiSilvestro Floyd, Richard Alfred DiSilvestro Jr., Rebecca Johanna DiSilvestro Rozmus and Jennifer Anne DiSilvestro. Commander DiSilvestro served 26 years in the Navy where he was instrumental in the defense of the United States during the Cuban Missile Crisis, receiving a Naval Commendation for his distinguished service in anti-submarine warfare. He went on to service in Research and Development and as an aircraft maintenance officer for multiple Navy and Marine squadrons. Upon retirement, he went on to become an Assistant Professor in Computers in the University of Kentucky’s college system. While teaching, he returned to Murray State University, obtaining his Master’s Degree in History. He then taught History at the undergraduate level for the next 20 years. He again retired and moved with his wife to Victoria, Texas to be closer to his grandchildren. He attended First United Methodist Church of Victoria and was an active volunteer in the community.
Commander DiSilvestro is survived by his wife, Dawn; his three daughters, Kathryn Floyd (Kevin Floyd), Rebecca Rozmus (CJ Rozmus) and Jennifer DiSilvestro; his grandchildren, Jessica DiSilvestro Koenning (Roy Koenning), Domenic Floyd, Christian Floyd, Ezekiel Rozmus; Richard M. DiSilvestro; his great-granddaughter, Harper Grace Koenning and brother, Dr. Frank DiSilvestro (Ruth).
He is preceded in death by his son, Richard Alfred DiSilvestro Jr and his parents, Frank and Carmela DiSilvestro.
A Memorial Service will be Friday, September 13, 2019 at 11 AM at First United Methodist Church with Rev. Dr. Wade Powell Officiating. Immediately following the service Commander DiSilvestro will be honored with full military honors under the auspices of the Victoria Veterans Council.
Words of comfort may be shared at www.rosewoodfuneralchapel.com.
