The passing of Barbara Ann (Blazek) Silas, Class of 1965.
It is with profound sadness that we share the news of Barbara’s passing. Born June 11, 1947, Queens, Queens County, New York. She departed this life on March 8, 2026, aged 78 in Holbrook, Suffolk County, New York,
We extend our deepest and most heartfelt condolences to Barbara’s family, her many classmates from Sayville High School, and the friends, colleagues, and loved ones who were privileged to share in her life’s journey. Barbara found joy in life’s simple treasures… time spent on the water, boating, and watching the beauty of a sunset.
A beautiful obituary was published by the O. B. Davis Funeral Homes and is copied below for your convenience. It can also be viewed by clicking HERE:
Barbara A. Silas, of Holbrook, NY, passed away on March 8, 2026, at the age of 78.
The daughter of the late Adolph and Pauline Blazek, Barbara grew up by the bay in Sayville, a town she truly adored. Her lifelong love for the water, boats, and sunsets began there and remained a constant source of joy. In her earlier years, Barbara found expression through dance, dedicating many years to the art of ballet.
A proud graduate of the Sayville High school Class of 1965 and the Katharine Gibbs Secretarial School in New York City, Barbara had a distinguished career. She was a longtime, dedicated employee of the Town of Islip Community Development Agency in Bay Shore, where she continued to work until her passing.
Barbara found beauty in the world around her, whether watching planes fly over her home in Holbrook or admiring the wildlife in the nearby woods. She had a special affection for animals—especially dogs, cats, and the cardinals that visited her. A woman of deep Roman Catholic faith, she found great peace in Christian music and her visits to the Blessed Mother.
More than anything, Barbara cherished her family. She was a loving mother to Patricia Scarpinato and her husband Joseph, and a doting “Nana” to her grandson, Matthew, who was her absolute joy. She was the dear sister of Arthur Blazek (Deneen) and Nancy Crowe (Thomas).
Whether she was enjoying a quiet cup of tea, a competitive game of Scrabble, or a meal with loved ones, Barbara’s presence was a gift. Known to all as “the sweetest person,” she was a bright light with a kind heart and an unwavering positive outlook. While we can no longer hold her in our arms, we find comfort knowing her beautiful soul rests eternally in God’s loving embrace.
Visitation was held at O. B. Davis Funeral Homes, 4839 Nesconset Highway, Port Jefferson Station, NY 11776, US, on Thursday, March 19, 2026, from 2-4 and 7-9 PM.
A Funeral Mass was held at St. Gerard Majella RC Church, 300 Terryville Road, Port Jefferson Station, NY 11776, US, on Friday, March 20, 2026 at 10 AM.
A memorial page has been established to honor and celebrate Barbara’s life, a life defined by service to her invite all who knew him to visit, share memories, and leave tributes that reflect the profound impact he had on so many.
In recognition of her enduring legacy, the Sayville Alumni Association will observe Barbara’s birthday, June 11th, each year as a day of remembrance. We hope this ongoing tribute, along with the shared stories and reflections of those whose lives she touched, will bring comfort and solace to her family and friends in the years to come. May the memory of Barbara’s kind heart and an unwavering positive outlook continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to have known and loved her.
Thank you to Erick Baumeister of our Sayville Alumni Association historians committee for alerting us to Barbara’s passing.