Edward J. Sylvia, 84

Edward J. Sylvia, 84, of Mattapoisett passed away peacefully in his sleep at home on Monday, July 21, 2025, surrounded by the members of his family who loved him - Susan, his wife of 56 years, his caring daughter Marjorie Lee and loving grandson EJ, who gave their endless love and support during his courageous battle with cancer, along with his sister Kathleen and several close friends.

Ed was born in Wareham, MA and grew up in a farmhouse in Mattapoisett, MA with his mother, father, three brothers, and their little sister. One of Ed’s favorite stories to tell was how he would ride his horse, “Sparky”, to elementary school and leave him to graze in the field while he was in class.

Ed graduated from Fairhaven High School before proudly serving in the United States Air Force as a Basic Airman from 1961-1964, when he received an Honorable Discharge. Ed was so proud of his country and would happily let anyone and everyone know about it. He subsequently went on to receive his BS in Business Administration at Southeastern Massachusetts University, and his MBA at Loyola University in Chicago.
Ed met Susan in 1967 and they married in 1969. They were each other’s second half. They lived in Longmeadow, MA for 30 years where he and Susan raised their two children. Ed was an avid sports fan. He enjoyed coaching little league baseball and watching his children participate in various sports. His daughter Marjorie was truly his pride and joy and “Daddy’s little tomboy”, who he so proudly raised to be one of the top athletes in Western Mass.

Ed worked as a Loan Officer for Bank of Boston in Springfield, MA, then fulfilled his life-long dream of owning a sporting goods store, before retiring as an Auditor for the Commonwealth. Ed and his wife retired to his hometown of Mattapoisett, MA in 2008 and spent 17 years of joyful retirement together, which included yearly vacations in Florida to visit friends and family. During retirement, Ed enjoyed his morning coffee with “the men” at the Galley and watching his grandchildren play competitive sports. Ed and Susan always looked forward to their daily chats and weekly visits from their grandson, EJ, and traveled far and wide to watch him play soccer, baseball, and hockey. Ed was so thankful to have been able to watch EJ play college hockey at Bridgewater State University this past winter. Ed held a special place in his heart for his grandchildren.

Ed leaves behind his loving wife of 56 years, Susan (Briggs), his daughter Marjorie Lee, her husband Eric, and their son EJ, of Carver, MA, his son Matthew, of Southwick, MA, and his children, Joshua Edward, Katelyn, and Megan, his daughter Lauren Applebee, her husband Tom of Levant, ME, and their two children, James and Kaitlin, along with several great grandchildren. He is also survived by his two brothers Albert and John, and his sister, Kathleen, along with several cousins, nieces and nephews. He was pre-deceased by his brother Robert.

A loving and heartfelt thank you to all of the friends who became our immediate family during this difficult time, and to the doctors and nurses at St. Luke’s Hospital in New Bedford, MA, the doctors and nurses at SouthCoast Health Cancer Center in Fairhaven, MA, the nurses and staff at SouthCoast Hospice, Veterans Affairs in Mattapoisett, MA, as well as our caring private home health care nurses, who allowed him to spend his last months comfortable at home.

Ed’s Funeral Service will be held Monday, August 11, 2025 at 12:30 PM in the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd., Mattapoisett. Burial will follow in the Massachusetts National Cemetery, Bourne. Visiting hours will be Monday from 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM, prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, donations in Ed’s memory may be made to Knights of Columbus Council 4190, P.O. Box 483, Mattapoisett, MA 02739 or SouthCoast Hospice, 200 Mill Rd., Fairhaven, MA 02719. For directions and guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.