James Michael Silvestri passed away peacefully at home on June 3, 2025. Jim, or Jimmy as he was affectionately known, was a loving and generous man, devoted to his family and community. He will be remembered for his sense of humor, huge heart, and dynamic personality. Jimmy was larger than life and he embodied a deep appreciation for everything life had to offer.
He was predeceased by his father Albert Louis Silvestri; his mother Mary Evelyn (Burke); and older brother Albert Jr. He is survived by his beloved wife Mary Moyer, children Mary (Justin) Simmons, Julia Silvestri and Greg, Michael (Shayna) Silvestri; and five grandsons: Jayson, Ryder, Miles, Luke, and Jameson. He is also survived by his sisters: Nancy Silvestri and Jack, Mary and Sam Sabbagh, and Kathy Silvestri and Javier as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends. Everywhere he went, he built bonds and welcomed others into his circle with warmth and sincerity.
Jim was born in 1950 in Norwood, Massachusetts. He moved to Danbury, Connecticut at age nine, when his father launched the regional branch of Walpole Woodworkers. In Danbury, Jimmy thrived—building lifelong friendships and becoming a deeply engaged member of the community. He graduated from Danbury High School, later attending Mount St Mary’s and completing his Bachelor's Degree at Western Connecticut State University. He began his career as a reading teacher in Brookfield, CT. During this time, he met Mary Moyer, and his life was forever transformed.
Following the birth of their first child, Jim started his own business – Silvestri Fencing – building on his family’s legacy in outdoor craftsmanship. With joy, Jim served the greater Danbury area for over 30 years. Nearly every family member and many friends worked summers at Silvestri Fencing. Jim believed in giving everyone an opportunity and building communities through shared work and generosity. Throughout his adult life, he was devoted to his siblings, his mother, the family he created with Mary, and the extended family that surrounded them. While deeply committed to his family, he also cherished his close friends and the greater community.
Jim was active in many civic and charitable causes. He served with the Rotary Club including a term as president, participated in educational forums and local events, and co-founded the Danbury Council for the Hearing Impaired, which distributed communication devices and raised awareness about Deaf culture and ASL performing arts. He also chaired the Danbury Hospital Golf Tournament to raise funds for cancer research. He encouraged his children to live with community values and cultural curiosity, often driving long distances so they could attend Deaf camps, athletic competitions, and cultural programs.
He had a deep love for sports– holding season tickets at the original Yankee stadium and organizing annual tailgates at Penn State football games. He was especially devoted to the Danbury Wrestling community, where his son Michael competed and now serves as the Head Coach at Danbury High. He was also an avid golfer from a young age. As a caddy at the Ridgewood Country Club, he won a hole-in-one award at just 10 years old. Years later, he returned to win the RCC Member-Guest Golf Tournament. He took pride in his achievements and never hesitated to celebrate the accomplishments of others.
As a third generation Italian American, Jim took pride in his roots. He visited Italy in the 1970s and connected with relatives in the villages of Bonefro. That trip deepened his love of art and fine dining. He cherished annual trips to NYC with his wife Mary, attending interpreted Broadway shows, Shakespeare in the Park, and exploring restaurants, always armed with a copy of the yearly Zagat’s Guide to Fine Dining, which he collected and kept above his desk. He followed cultural happenings in the newspaper each week, and never stopped learning, reading, or seeking new experiences.
Every morning, he started the day with a cup of coffee and the Danbury News Times beside Mary–his wife and partner in all things. Throughout their 47 years of marriage, their love and devotion were not only unmatched, but unmatchable. Theirs was a union blessed by shared and complementary values.
Throughout his life Jim was a fighter–never more so than his final three years. After receiving an end-of-life diagnosis in 2022, he rallied and embraced three more rich and joyful years. He welcomed two more grandsons, participated in many celebrations, and received frequent visits from loved ones. In every encounter, he remained the fun, funny, and generous man everyone knew and loved.
Family and friends will be received on Sunday, June 8, 2025, from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Jowdy-Kane Funeral Home; 9 Granville Avenue, Danbury. A funeral mass will be celebrated on Monday, June 9, 2025, at 10:30 AM in Saint Peter Church; 121 Main Street, Danbury. Interment will follow in Saint Peter Cemetery, Danbury.
Contributions in Jim's memory may be made to the Danbury High School Athletics Department for the Jim Silvestri Scholarship Fund. Donations can be sent to Danbury High School Athletics, 43 Clapboard Ridge Road, Danbury, CT 06811.