Obituary of Richard P. Sylvia

Richard P. Sylvia, 91, a long time resident of Darien, CT, former Chief of Noroton Fire Department, former editor of Fire Engineering Magazine, author and instructor, died at his home in Darien on October 31, 2005. He was born on December 24, 1913 in New Bedford, MA, the son of the late Dr. and Mrs. M.V. Sylvia. After graduation from Dartmouth College in 1935, he began his journalistic career at the New Bedford Morning Mercury in Massachusetts, before moving on to the Bridgeport Post in Connecticut. Mr. Sylvia served in the United States Coast Guard during World War II from 1942 through 1945. He then resumed his career at the New York Sun as reporter and photographer, before moving to the New York World-Telegram as head of the night copy desk. Along the way, he also received a Master’s Degree in Arts & Sciences in 1949 from New York University. He joined the Noroton Volunteer Fire Department in Darien, CT, in 1955. During his fifty years of service within the Department he held all active officer ranks culminating in Chief of the Department from 1962 to 1969. In 1958 he became a member of the Connecticut Fire Department Instructors Association, serving as its President in 1962 and 1963 and continuing with the organization, first active and then as a life member, until his death. He was also twice a recipient of their Harry Kelly Award in 1985 and 1988. In August 1966, Sylvia was appointed associate editor of Fire Engineering. His column, the Volunteers Corner, was one of the best-read pieces of fire service literature of its time – quoted widely, reprinted frequently, and used regularly by Fire Engineering readers. It ran 221 consecutive months, beginning in 1964. The editor at the time, Jim Casey, called Sylvia a walking encyclopedia on fire service matters. He was appointed to the State of Connecticut Commission on Fire Prevention and Control by Governor Ella Grasso in 1975 and was re-appointed by her in 1978 and in 1981 by Governor William O’Neill. He also served in the capacity of Vice Chairman of that organization from 1982 to 1984. In January 1981, Sylvia was named editor of Fire Engineering. The magazine won two prestigious Jesse Neal editorial awards for the business media with his participation. He retired in December 1982 at age 69. Sylvia authored two books for Fire Engineering: “Modern Suburban Firefighting” (1983) and “A Study Guide to Fire Service Hydraulics Questions and Answers” (Second Edition 1971). He was also a member of the International Society of Fire Service Instructors, receiving awards of merit in 1978 and 1983 and became a life member in 1987. He also garnered numerous letters of commendation and plaques from such diverse locations as Iona College, the Texas Society of Fire Service Instructors, Northeastern Pennsylvania Volunteer Fireman’s Federation and a Chittenden County Firefighters Association. Among his other fire service activities were honors from the Fairfield County Fire Chiefs Emergency Plan and the Connecticut State Fireman’s Association and memberships in the Connecticut Parade Marshals Association, The NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) and the IAFC (International Association of Fire Chiefs). He was pre-deceased by his wife Beatrice M. Sylvia in 1976. A wake will be held on Friday, November 11, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM, at the Edward Lawrence Funeral Home, 2119 Post Road, Darien. A Fireman’s Funeral will be held on Saturday, November 12 at 10:00 AM also at the Edward Lawrence Funeral Home. Burial will be private at the Nemasket Hill Cemetery in Middleboro, MA. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Noroton Volunteer Fire Department, 1873 Post Road, Darien, CT 06820. Funeral Home: Edward Lawrence Funeral Home 2119 Post Road Darien, CT USA 06820