Serving as President of the Long Island 9/11 Memorial Committee since its founding, Robert De Silva has played an important role in the organization’s success, spearheading each of the committee’s advances to date. A retired New York City fireman, Bob has put his heart into the Long Island 9/11 Memorial since the project’s initiation, and he intends to continue devoting his time, energy and talents to it, driving it through completion.
The Long Island 9/11 Memorial Committee is only the latest chapter in a long career devoted to public service. Prior to co-founding the committee Bob served five years as President of the Long Island Association of Retired New York City Firefighters. From 1992-1997 he led the association toward its goal of improving the quality of life for retired firefighters and their families. Bob was well equipped for this role through his extensive service experience with the New York City Fire Department, having retired on disability as a Fireman First Grade in July of 1986. During his 16 years of service included assisting in the creation of the Fire Department’s HELP Team. He also became intimate with the area surrounding Ground Zero when he participated in the assembly of pre-fire plans for lower Manhattan Buildings.
Bob De Silva’s personal history of service also includes fulfilling his military obligations, having seen duty in the US Army from 1961-1963.
As a soldier, firefighter and perennial volunteer, every step of Bob’s career has been characterized by his devotion to coming to the aid of others. His efforts have included raising finds for many charitable causes, of which the Long Island 9/11 Memorial is only the most recent. In his personal time he enjoys working, in his modest woodshop, creating original, hand-made presents for his family and friends. In one memorable case Bob was able to combine his passion for service and his skills with tools when he helped to raise over $125,000 for a seriously ill infant while building a dollhouse for the baby’s sister. |
