Every time a bell rings, an angel gets his wings. We heard that bell on December 22, 2024, when Jon Francis Silla, Sr. received his angelic wings and was taken into the arms of Jesus. Jon was 94 years old, and his work was done here on earth. He was born in 1930 and experienced so many new inventions and changes.
He was intrigued by always wanting to try new things, make things better and he was wired to work. His mind was always on the go. He graduated from South Philadelphia High School where he discovered his passion for photography. He started as the Yearbook editor and honed his skills to become a commercial photographer in New York City for over 50 years. His work was showcased on Crayola toy boxes, record album covers, Columbia Record marketing materials, Readers Digest inserts and in many medical ads and journals. No photograph was too hard for him to figure out how to make it a winning shot! He was also the master at developing custom black and white or color prints.
Why was the TV series called, “Everyone Loves Raymond" It clearly should have been named, “Everyone Loves Jon”. The truth is that everyone whoever met Jon could not help but love him. His calm, fun demeanor was loved by both old and young. His sparkly eyes always hinted that he was going to tell a funny joke. His expressive hands made his stories even more exciting. He loved living life to its fullest and making others happy. There was never a dull moment around Jon.
His unquenchable thirst for knowledge lasted throughout his lifetime. He was our real live Renaissance Man and there was not a problem that he could not solve. Whether it was fixing a plumbing leak, building a brick wall, hoisting an 8’x10’ piece of plywood on his back up a ladder, replanting a shrub, rebuilding a carburetor, hanging wallpaper or repairing a fallen pants hem with staples, he always figured out how to get it done. He taught his children and grandchildren so many valuable lessons. There is always work to be done, so don’t be lazy, work hard each day. He was adamant to pass along the proper way to put tinsel on a Christmas Tree. One strand at a time. If he ever had time to sit down, that is when he would take his 20-minute cat nap. Shortly before his death, he told a grandson his final parting words of wisdom, “Nothing is a loss, it’s an experiment”. He never missed an opportunity to share his almost century old knowledge.
The most important advice that he passed along to all in his family was his love of God and accepting Jesus as our Lord and Savior. He read his bible until the pages were worn. He wanted to tell everyone he met that Jesus is always with us and He is all we need. Genesis was a favorite book of the bible and there were endless discussions on how God created the earth. In fact, in his last days he loved listening to the reading of Genesis. He smiled when he heard, “God saw all that he made, and it was very good.”
“In any event” (his most used phrase in every discussion), we will all miss this one-of-a-kind man who was so sweet, generous and loving.
Jon loved to be around people and to keep them laughing. He is survived by so many who miss him dearly: his siblings, Carmen Silla, Lena Ciurlino and Annamarie Smith(Steve); his long-time partner, Pacelli Ludwig; his former wife, Evelyn Silla with whom he had his 7 children, Jon Silla Jr (Monika), Debra Groendyk(Dave), David Silla, Jeffrey Silla(Patty), Jacqui Silla, Pamela Caywood (Bill), Gabrielle Silla; his 12 Grandchildren, Donald Silla, David Groendyk, Jr., Jason Groendyk, Alexandra Girardi, Rachel Miller, Andrew Silla, Emily Kozitsky, Austin Silla, Grace Sasser, William Caywood Jr, Agatha Cabrera, Sofia Cabrera; and his 19 great-grandchildren.
“When Christ shall come, with shout of acclamation,
And take me home, what joy shall fill my heart.
Then I shall bow, in humble adoration,
And then proclaim, my God, how great Thou art!”
~ How Great Thou Art by Carl Bobert ~
*All obituaries are submitted by family and friends of the deceased.
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