Sante Silvestri

Sante Silvestri, 83, passed away peacefully on May 25, 2025, at his home in Boyne City, Michigan, surrounded by his beloved family and dear friends. A man of great resilience, quiet strength, and deep faith, Sante lived a full life grounded in devotion to his family, his work, and his spiritual convictions.

Born on August 18, 1941, in Morolo, Frosinone, Italy, Sante immigrated to the United States in 1956, seeking opportunity and a better life. In 1960, he married Jean Ada Oliver, and together they built a loving home and family in Albany, New York, where they raised their two children. Jean preceded him in death in 2011.

In 2017, Sante moved to Boyne City, Michigan, to live with his daughter Sheila and son-in-law Karl, where he spent his final years surrounded by the love and care of his family.

Sante devoted much of his life to the dry-cleaning business, where his hard work, professionalism, and dedication earned him the affectionate title of the “king of dry cleaners” in the Albany area. In the 1960s, he began working at Roxy United Dry Cleaners, and in 1983, he proudly became its owner. He renamed the business Silvestri Dry Cleaners and Shirt Services, transforming it into a well-respected and trusted name in the community. His son, Sante Silvestri Jr., worked alongside him as his partner in the business.

In 1971, Sante was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, a faith that guided his life and brought him comfort and strength through the decades. He is fondly remembered for his heartfelt prayers to Jehovah, always giving thanks for being able to worship at what he lovingly called Jehovah’s “Big House.” When his health allowed, he participated in the volunteer ministry work of Jehovah’s Witnesses most days of the week, a service he deeply cherished.

Sante had a simple joy for life. He loved a good steak, anchovies on his pizza, and clams—both for eating and for the stories they reminded him of from earlier days. He was generous to a fault, always ready to share what he had, offer help, or give kind words to those in need. He also had a soft spot for animals, especially his beloved grand-dog, Charlie, who brought him endless comfort, companionship, and joy.

He is survived by his children: Sante Silvestri Jr. (Kaye) of Clifton Park, New York, and Sheila Kuzmik (Karl) of Boyne City, Michigan. He leaves behind five cherished grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings Iole (Armando) Spagnolo of Albany, New York, and Felice (Bruni) Silvestri of Schenectady, New York.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Jean; his parents, Angelo and Benilde Silvestri; his brothers Antonio and infant twin brothers; and his sister Josepina (Domenico) Vaccaro.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 14, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 04925 Boyne City-East Jordan Road, East Jordan, Michigan.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the worldwide work of Jehovah’s Witnesses at www.jw.org.

Sante will be remembered for his unwavering faith, his love for his family, his generosity, and his enduring example of hard work, humility, and perseverance.

Please share your memories and personal messages with the family on his guestbook below.