Ronald Sylvia

New Bedford - Ronald (Ronnie) Sylvia, 87, of New Bedford, MA died on Monday, September 11, 2023, at Sacred Heart Nursing Home following a long battle with Alzheimer’s Disease. He was the beloved husband of Delia (Santos) Sylvia. 

Born to Joseph A. Sylvia, Jr. and Evelyn (Armorin) Sylvia, Ronald was a native of New Bedford.  In 1967, was ordained a priest in the Diocese of Fall River, where he went on to serve at the parishes of Our Lady of the Angels in Fall River and St. John the Baptist in New Bedford.  

He and his wife, Delia, were married in 1974, and shared 49 loving years of marriage, along with one daughter, Monica Ron-Del.  He also was a dedicated case worker at the Department of Transitional Assistance in Fall River, MA for nearly 25 years, where he worked diligently to advocate for his clients with care and compassion until his retirement. Above all else, Ronald enjoyed time spent with his family and friends, and his laughter and warmth will be greatly missed.  

Ronald is survived by his wife, Delia (Santos) Sylvia, daughter, Monica R. Sylvia (Matthew Loveland), and grandson, Justin Sullivan (Aaron Cervantez), along with his sister, Elsie Louro, brother, Joseph A. Sylvia III (Linda), and sister-in-law, Shirley Sylvia.  He was the twin brother of the late Raymond Sylvia, and brother of Richard Sylvia, and Cynthia Sylvia.

Visiting hours will be held at Perry’s Funeral Home in New Bedford on Friday, September 15, 2023 from 5:00 P.M. -7:00 P.M.  His funeral will take place on Saturday, beginning in the funeral home at 9:00 A.M. and followed by A Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 am at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in New Bedford. Burial will immediately follow at St. John’s Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in his memory to Sacred Heart Nursing Home, 359 Summer Street, New Bedford MA, the Alzheimer’s Foundation, or a charity of your choosing.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to Perry Funeral Home, 111 Dartmouth Street, New Bedford