Merle E. Silvis, 64, of 68 Oakwood Ave., passed away Thursday, July 23, 2015 at The Bradford Manor.

Born October 17, 1950 in Bradford, he was the son of the late Arthur R. and Dorothy R. (Allison) Silvis.

On December 27, 1997, he married Sheryl (Galbreath) Silvis, who survives. 

He was a 1968 graduate of Bradford Area High School. 

He began his career with the Bradford City Fire Department on Oct 8, 1973.  During his tenure with the department, he was active with the City Ambulance and was one of the first  certified EMT's.  He fought many of the major Bradford Fires, including the Main St. Block and The Dresser Home.  He also served as the City of Bradford Code Enforcement Officer, and made it to the rank of Captain prior to his retirement on January 31, 2011. 

In addition to his duties with the City of Bradford Fire Department, he served for many years as the Code Enforcement officer for Bradford Township until the time of his death.  He also worked as a security guard for Bradford Regional Medical Center for over 30 years as well as owning and operating Timeless Treasures with his wife.  

He was an avid fisherman and hunter and enjoyed antiquing.  

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his two children,  Matthew (Jody) Silvis of Bradford and Alyssa Silvis, of California; five step children, Adam  Armstrong, of Bradford, Christie (Everett) Smith, of Bradford, Nicole Armstrong, of West Chester, Jennifer Armstrong, of Pittsburgh and Kyle  Grandinetti, of Bradford; two sisters, Kimberly Giodano, of Bradford; Pamela Johnson, of Bradford; three grandchildren, Joshua Silvis, Eddy Silvis and Vedder Silvis; three step grandchildren, Chyenne Smith, Donovan Smith, and Aryana Grandinetti; his mother and father in law, Richard and Beverly Galbreath of Florida; three sisters in law, Kathy (Karl) Niemeyer of West Chester, Karen (David) Anderson of Florida and Brenda (Richard) Cook, also of Florida; a brother in law, Richard (Cindy) Galbreath of Oklahoma and many nieces and nephews.  

He was preceded in death by his parents. 

Friends are invited to attend graveside services in Oak Hill Cemetery on the Fireman's Memorial Lot at 11 AM on Wednesday, July 29, 2015 with Rev. Matthew Blake, pastor of the Bradford Area Parish, officiating.  Memorial contributions, if desired, can be made to the family, c/o Bradford City Firefighters Local #655, 25 Chestnut St., or to the charity of the donor's choice.  

Arrangements are under the direction of the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes, Inc. 

On line condolences may be made at www.hollenbeckcahill.com