Melbourne, Australia, 22 January 2023 -- Australia-Pacific have lost the oldest member of their province. Brother Silvio Quaranta SDB, passed away peacefully at St Joseph's Home in Northcote, Victoria, in the evening on Friday, 20th January. He was 96 years of age. He was a professed son of Don Bosco for 79 years. Born in 1926 in Lagnasco Cuneo, Italy, Silvio joined the Salesians in Turin and made his first profession as a Salesian into the hands of Fr Colombara on 16th August 1944.
Together with his close friend and confrere Br Peter Dezani, Silvio came to Australia as a missionary in December 1948 following his perpetual profession as a Salesian into the hands of Monsignor Piani in Villa Moglia, in Italy.
Brother Silvio spent most of his time in ministry as an excellent tailor, capable farmer and an outstanding cook who can create a meal in a moment's notice. Above all, he was a deeply committed religious Brother faithful to his call.
He had been a member of the Lysterfield Salesian community since 1965 before moving into St Joseph's nursing home in Northcote in 2019 as his choice of retirement.
The requiem Mass will take place at Don Bosco Retreat Centre in Lysterfield on Wednesday 25th January 2023 at 11:00am. Rosary will be recited before the Mass. The burial service will take place at the Salesian Cemetery in the grounds of Salesian College Sunbury at 3:00 pm.
Eternal rest grant unto Brother Silvio O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul rest in peace, amen!
Fr Will Matthews SDB
Provincial
