Peter A. Sylvia, 71
Peter A. Sylvia, 71, of Dartmouth, MA, passed away surrounded by his loving family on September 15, 2026, from complications of a brief illness.
Peter was born in New Bedford, MA to the late Mariette (Aube) and Alton Sylvia. He was a lifelong resident of Dartmouth and graduated from Dartmouth High School in 1973. He later attended Southeastern Massachusetts University (UMass Dartmouth).
Peter made lasting friendships throughout his life and enjoyed recounting their many adventures. He enjoyed hunting and took many trips with friends to Nantucket, providing him with some of his best story material. He was an animated storyteller, who created more laughter with each new tale.
He was an avid sports fan and enjoyed watching games with his family and friends. In his earlier years, he played in the Dartmouth Merchants Softball League.
Peter had several jobs working at Me and Ed's and Tichon's, before establishing his own masonry business. He lent his skills to many homeowners in the area, with his memory living on in the beautiful stone walls, walkways, patios, and many more works he created.
He worked hard and took pride in his craft but also enjoyed spending time at home with his beloved cats, Munchkin and Gaucho.
Peter is survived by his two brothers, Michael (and his partner Paulina Fernandes) and Danny (and his wife Niki), both of Dartmouth; his nieces, Rebecca Sylvia (and her partner Spencer Jones), of Newfield, NY; Jessica Fernandes (and her partner John), of New Bedford; and Jeannette Fernandes (and her partner Richard Carrasquillo), of Dartmouth; his nephews, Sean (and his wife Anastasiia), of Quincy, MA, and Justin (and his wife Jill), of East Walpole, MA; his great-nieces, Kiyara Fernandes, Addie Sylvia, and Ava Carrasquillo; and his great-nephews, Dominic Fernandes and Robbie Sylvia.
Survivors also include his uncle, Adrien Aube (and his wife Pat), of Plymouth, MA; his cousins, Barbara Sylvia (and her husband Tim) and Suzanne Jacobsen (and her husband Pete), both of Dartmouth; as well as several young cousins, who affectionately called him "Uncle Pete." He was nephew to the late Elvira (Sylvia) and John Moniz, and the late Claire (Aube) and Ernest Picard; and cousin to the late Nancy (Moniz) Cabral.
His visiting hours will be held Saturday, September 19th from 4 to 7 PM in the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Habitat for Cats, Lighthouse Animal Shelter, CARE Southcoast, or a shelter of your choice.
For directions and guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.
