Obituary of William J Silke, Jr

William J. Silke, Jr., 81, of Peabody, died Monday morning at Salem Hospital following a brief illness. He was the devoted husband of Phyllis (Medina) Silke with whom he shared over 56 years of marriage. Born in Peabody, he was the son of the William J. Silke, Sr., and Mary (O’Keefe) Silke. He was raised and educated in Salem and was a graduate of Salem High School, class of 1948. He was lived in Peabody for the past 46 years. William served with the United States Air Force for over 20 years, from the Korean War through the Vietnam War and was honorably retired in July of 1970. Following his tenure with the United States Air Force, William worked for the State of Massachusetts for many years before retiring in the mid 1980’s William attended the University of Alaska and Salem State College and received his bachelor’s degree in History for Salem State. He was a member of the Peabody Elks Lodge #1409 and the Danvers Polish Club. He was an avid Boston sports enthusiast who especially enjoyed watching the Red Sox and Patriots. However, his most enjoyable time was the time he spent with his family and grandchildren in all of their endeavors. Besides his loving wife, he is survived by two daughters, Mary and Tom Houlden and Christine Pollock and her husband John Haight, all of Peabody, two sisters, Maureen Silke and her longtime companion Richard Henry of Marblehead and Sheila Blais of Beverly, his six grandchildren, Vincent and Andrea Cinseruli, Catie Houlden, Annie and Jennifer Pollock, and Jane Haight, and is also survived by many nieces , nephews and dear friends. He was the brother of the late Thomas Silke. Visiting hours will be held on Thursday from 4:00 until 8:00 PM at the Conway, Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home, 82 Lynn St., Peabody to which relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend. Funeral Services will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to the American Heart Assoc., 20 Speen St., Framingham, MA 01701.