Joseph M. Sylvia, 82, died Dec. 9, 2011, at the VNA Hospice House of Vero Beach.
He was born in Faial, Azores, as a U.S. citizen, coming to New Bedford, Mass., in 1946, and lived in Sebastian.
He owned and operated J&M Aircraft Engines in Miami for 42 years.
During the Korean War, he served in the Navy from 1950 to 1954 aboard the USS Everett F. Larson DDR830.
He attended St. Sebastian Catholic Church and was a member of Sebastian Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 10210.
He graduated from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University with an airframe and power plant license.
Survivors include his son, Joseph H. Sylvia, of Sebastian; brother, Manuel L. Sylvia, of Leesburg; sisters, Maria Sylvia, of Ocala and Ann Daniels, of Boca Raton.
He was preceded in death of his wife of 48 years, Marion F. Sylvia, in 2008.
Memorial contributions may be made to the VNA/Hospice Foundation, 1110 35th Lane, Vero Beach, FL 32960.
A graveside service will be 11 a.m. Dec. 13 at Sebastian Cemetery.
Military honors will be provided by the Sebastian River VFW Post 10210.
Arrangements are by Seawinds Funeral Home & Crematory, Sebastian, Florida.
A guestbook is available at www.seawindsfh.com.
