Gino Santino Silvestri, 81, of Defiance, Ohio peacefully passed away surrounded by his loving family on Wednesday, May 8, 2024. Born on November 14, 1942, in Brewster, Ohio, he was the son of the late Dominico and Lina (Leonetti) Silvestri.

Gino is survived by his loving wife of 62-years, Janet (Remenaric) Silvestri, whom he married on June 19, 1962 in Coldwater, MI. Survivors also include Lorie (Chris) Rath, Angela (Tim) Thourot, and Gina (Chris) Frank; grandchildren Karrah (Jacob Stork) Rath, Nicholas Rath, Lindsey (Byron) Bevard, Joshua Thourot, Kathryn Thourot, Alli Frank, Alec (Connor) Frank; great grandchildren, Eloise, Lola, Scarlett, Joshua, Jadelyn, Quinn, Rylee, and Jayce; his brother Dante (Tina) Silvestri, New Philadelphia, OH; his sister-in-laws Barbara Silvestri and Nancy (Rick) Brown both of Navarre, his nieces, nephews and their families, along with many beloved friends.

He was preceded in death by his sister Angelina (Rich) Davis; brother, Orlando Silvestri; brother-in-laws, Raymond and Larry Remenaric; nephew Richard Davis, and great-grandchild Haden Bevard.

Gino began his Wastewater career in Brewster, Ohio. After obtaining his wastewater licenses, he accepted the position of Superintendent at the Water Pollution Control plant in Defiance, Ohio in 1973. He retired from the city in 2004 as the city's longest-serving department head. During his career he taught many licensure courses along with Advanced Wastewater Treatment courses. He was the past President of the Ohio Water Environment Association, and served on many other wastewater committees. During his career, Gino received many awards and accolades including the prestige Dean Stewart award.

Gino enjoyed spending time with his family, especially the time he spent with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, camping trips, boat races, motorcycling around the US, trips to Italy to visit family and being proud of his Italian heritage.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, May 12, 2024 from 2:00 to 8:00 pm at Schaffer Funeral Home in Defiance. A Mass of Christian burial will be at 11:00 am on Monday, May 13, 2024 at St. Mary Catholic Church, with Fr. David Cirata officiating. One additional hour of visitation will be held in the Parish Annex before Mass.

In lieu of flowers, the family request memorials to be made to CHP Defiance Hospice or the St. Mary's Catholic Church food pantry. Online condolences can be given at www.Schafferfh.com.