Obituary of Nicholas M. Silvestri

Nicholas Silvestri Sr., Our Patriarch, Husband, Dad & Grandpa

“Racing isn’t about how long it takes you to get from the start to the finish.  It’s the adventure you have along the way, the people you meet, and the moments you share.”

Nicholas M. Silvestri, Sr., passed away on Sunday June 4th surrounded by his family and all of their love and prayers.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, June 8th at 11 am at St. Catherine of Siena Parish, Mountain Lakes, NJ. Military honors will be present.  Visiting hours will begin at 8 am that morning at the Norman Dean Home For Services, 16 Righter Ave, Denville.  Donations in his name are appreciated and may be made to the Silvestri Family. 

Nick was born in Orange to the late Matteo and Filomena (Serapion) Silvestri.  During his high school years, he left and joined the US Army where he proudly served our country during WWII. In 1946, upon his honorable discharge, he returned to his home town and married his sweetheart Marie after a whirlwind romance.  The couple quickly started a family of their own, raising seven children!  A product of the greatest generation, Nick worked hard to provide for his growing family and give them a wonderful life.  They lived in Orange for a while before settling in Denville, where they have been for over 55 years.  Nick was a Glazer and owned Parsippany Glass Co. for many years in Lake Hiawatha.  When he wasn’t at work, he could be found at home with the kids or at the race track.  He loved horse races and he loved winning them more. He enjoyed craps as well and in his later years enjoyed OTB.  Above all, his family was the center of his universe. He and Marie would take road trips every year after Christmas.  They would drive to Tennessee and then Arizona visiting family and friends.  Pit stops to Las Vegas were always fun for New Years’ Eve.  They truly did have a beautiful life together.  This past April, the couple celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary.  That’s over 25,000 days together, seven children, fourteen grands, ten great grands and a lifetime of beautiful memories.  Of course, there has been heartache along their journey.  In March, their beloved son Nicky lost his battle with cancer and in 2006, their adored grandson Nicholas Haid passed.  Although Nick’s heart had been broken, he remained a source of constant support, love and strength for this family.  Nick had the patience of a saint, and was easy going always.  He would remind his family often “don’t worry, everything will be ok”.  His love for them was evident and his joy, smile and spirit will be cherished forever.  This family Patriarch has given us much to celebrate and honor.

Nicholas leaves happy memories to his wife Marie of 70 years; his children Phyllis Hershberger, Anthony Silvestri (Jackie), Marie Fischer (Gary), Florence Haid, Angela Howard (Russell), and Charles Silvestri (Linda).He was the adored “Poppy” to his grandchildren Michael, John, Mary Rose, David, Gary, Marie, James, the late Nicholas, Toni Ann, Amanda, Alicia, Jilian, Dena and Nicholas III and to his ten great grandchildren. He also leaves his dear sister Mary Rose Rucki (Edward) and many more relatives and friends.  His brothers and sister Peter, Matthew and Carmela Jackonetta passed previously.

“A horse gallops with his lungs, perserveres with his heart and wins with his character.   

                                                                        -Frederico Tesio