John (Jack) Silvis died on January 25, 2019. Jack was born April 4, 1954 in Greensburg, Pennsylvania, the son of Ronald V. and Reita M. Silvis.
He was a retired Ohio police sergeant and proudly served in the United States Air Force until the time of his Air Force retirement. Jack flew as an aircrew member aboard C-130 aircraft and served tours in both Iraq and Afghanistan in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. He also flew missions in Bosnia during that conflict. Jack was awarded several honors and medals including the Air Medal, Aerial Achievement Medal, and the Humanitarian Service Medal, among others. Jack was well travelled, having visited or lived in over forty countries, mostly as a proud Air Force member.
Jack will always be remembered for being an avid Pittsburgh sports fan and always a part of the Steeler Nation. He enjoyed building furniture and loved doing any activity where he was able to spend time with his family.
He is survived by his wife Sherrie, whom he married in October 1990. He is also survived by his children, Reita Silvis and Zachary Silvis, as well as his siblings, Kathy Ervin, Sherry (Bob) Miller, Lee Silvis, Sandy Ellis and Bob Kaiser, of Pittsburgh, step-brothers Brad Smalley, Dave Smalley, step-sister Lynn Kaiser of Pennsylvania as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, and friends.
Jack was preceded in death by his parents, Ronald Silvis and Reita May Smalley, his step-father, David Smalley, step-mother Thelma Kaiser, brother Merle Silvis and nephew, Aaron Miller. Jack’s four-legged best friend Fritz promised to be waiting for him at the Rainbow Bridge.
Visitation was held on Sunday, January 27, 2019 from 2-5PM at Mallory-DeHaven-Carlson Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 8382 Center St., Garrettsville, Ohio. Services followed at 5 PM at the funeral home. Burial was held on Tuesday, January 29, 2019 at 2 PM with full military honors at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery, 10175 Rawiga Rd, Seville, Ohio 44273. Procession began at 1:15 PM at Carlson Funeral Home, 3477 Medina Road, Medina, Ohio 44255.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to National Right to Life, The Wounded Warrior Project, or to the Animal Protective League.
The Silvis family would like to thank The Woodlands and Crossroads Hospice teams for their exceptional care, kindness, compassion, and love.
To all who knew Jack, he thanks you for having been part of his life. Online condolences at www.carlsonfuneralhomes.com.
