Diman Regional in Fall River holds shop dedication in honor of former teacher, school committee member

Diman Regional Vocational Technical High School in Fall River has rededicated the Carpentry-Cabinetmaking Shop in memory of a former faculty member.

Ronald Silvia, Sr., a 1963 graduate of the Carpentry Shop, joined the carpenter’s union after high school and worked in the trade until 1986 when he began to teach at Diman for 22 years. Upon his retirement, Silvia was elected to the Diman School Committee.

Unfortunately, after the start of his second three year term representing the Town of Swansea on the Diman School Committee, he was diagnosed with cancer. After his passing, the School Committee voted to dedicate the Carpentry-Cabinetmaking Shop facility in his name.

The school announced that on June 15th, a brief ceremony took place in the Carpentry-Cabinetmaking Shop to finalize the dedication. In attendance was Ronald’s wife, two grand children (one who is a current Diman student), his son (Ronald Jr. is a Diman Carpentry Instructor), school officials, former staff, Town of Swansea leaders, and current Carpentry Shop teachers/students.

All speeches recognized Ronald’s passion for life, his family and Diman. The hope is his passion motivates current students and future students to pursue life and work in the same manner, and never forget what attending Diman has done for them!