Robert Silvestri, A Wappingers Falls Resident, Dies at 79

On January 27, 1938 Vittorio and Anna (Giustinelli) Silvestri welcomed their sixth child into the world at home on Fulton Street in the Village. The doctor asked, "What name have you chosen?" and Anna responded "Constantino". The doctor questioned, "What did the baby ever do to you?" She named him Roberto Ernesto Silvestri and Bob was on his way. Bob attended St. Mary's grammar school and Wappingers Central High School. He joined the work force at IBM with a two year hiatus to serve in the Army when they built the Berlin Wall. Upon returning to IBM, he attended Apprentice School and eventually ran a lab that evaluated parts from outsource companies. He also attended Marist College at night and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Business.
In 1974 he met Mary Gayle Paxton and married her on July 19, 1975 in the Marist College Chapel. They did almost everything together and shared interests in golf, fishing, the NY Yankees and the Washington Redskins.
Bob was a charter member of the Wappingers Elks Lodge #2609. Bob and Gayle ran the Children's Christmas party at the Elks for ten years. Bob was also the lodge Treasurer at the time they were constructing their new building on Route 376 and later served as the lodge chaplain.
Bob loved gardening and taught Gayle how to plant and care for the different plants in their vegetable garden. Gayle never did learn how to weed despite Bob's best efforts. Bob was quite a good cook. Anna Silvestri taught all her children how to cook and care for themselves. About a month into their marriage Gayle set their kitchen floor on fire and Bob decided to be the cook of the house. He continued to create great meals for them up until a couple years ago.
Sadly, Bob passed on March 16, 2017, at home after a short illness.
Bob is survived by his wife, Gayle; his mother-in-law, Dorothy Paxton; sister in laws, Virginia Silvestri, Clarice Coleman and Nancy Paxton Frappollo (Paul). He is also survived by many nieces and nephews: Helen Ann Silvestri, Victoria Silvestri, Stephanie Silvestri Routhier (Brian), Ginda Silvestri Rasmussen (Bob), Jack Silvestri (Michele), MaryAnn Silvestri Fernandez (Kenneth), Victor J. Silvestri and James Burke. Bob is also survived by several great nieces and nephews and great great niece and nephew. He also leaves behind his great friend and best man, Bill Rittaler. He was predeceased by his sister, Rosie and brothers, Fred, Jack, Gino and Victor.
Funeral services will be held at the Episcopal Church of the Resurrection, 182 Route 376, Hopewell Junction, NY, on Saturday March 18, 2017. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to 12 noon with a Mass to follow. Services will be performed by Reverend Janice Kotuby. Interment will take place at a future date.
Special thanks and appreciation are offered to the staff of Vassar Hospital Respiratory Care Unit, Wendy and the team in ICU and the Post Coronary Care Unit. You all gave us extra time together with Bob. Thank you and God bless you.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in Bob's name to Hudson Valley Hospice.
Arrangements are under the direction of Straub, Catalano & Halvey Funeral Home, 55 E. Main Street, Wappingers Falls, NY 12590. To send a personal condolence, please visit our website at www.StraubCatalanoHalvey.com.