Obituary: Matera, Silvio
Age 92
He passed away surrounded by his loving family on January 12, 2013.
As a child with his older brothers, Mario and Dante, he swam countless hours in the Mediterranean Sea.
He was an accom-plished swimmer nearly making the 1936 Berlin Olympics.
After serving in the Italian Army, Silvio began a career as a tailor in cities such as Milan.
In 1954 he immigrated to Vancouver BC.
He became an American citizen five years later, living in Chicago and Eureka before settling in Spokane.
Silvio met his beloved Maria Nicolleti in 1966, moved to Spokane in 1968 and had their only son, John.
Silvio worked as a tailor downtown before retiring in 1992.
He had many hobbies, such as video cameras, photography and painting.
Beautiful paintings of his hometown decorate his home.
Silvio loved and tried to give everything for his son.
He was blessed with a loving wife who took care of him and stayed by his side until his passing.
Silvio was blessed with two grandchildren, Matthew and Mason, who he enjoyed spending time with.
A Rosary service will be held Friday, January 18, at 4:00 p.m. at Hennessey-Smith Funeral Home.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday, January 19, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, 545 E. Providence.
Interment will be at Holy Cross Cemetery.
Please visit Silvio’s online tribute and leave a condolence at www.hennesseyfuneralhomes.com.