As received from the O’Neill-Dennis Funeral Home:
UPDATE: Graveside services will be held at 12:45 P.M. on Friday, May 23, 2025 at section 16 of Forest Hill Cemetery in Houghton with Pastor Shin of the First United Methodist Church in Hancock officiating.
Alan (Al) Roger Silvola, 56, passed away on Wednesday, January 22, 2025 at home with his family by his side after a long battle with Huntington’s Disease.
He was born on January 28, 1968 in Manistique, MI to the late Roger Silvola and Donna (Lazenby) VanTiegham. He graduated from Hancock High School in 1986. Following high school, he attended Ferris State University where he received degrees in Architectural Technology with the highest distinction and Construction Management. He worked at Dryer, Reckley, and Gray in Grand Rapids, MI before moving back home in 1993. He then worked for Moyle Construction, John Clark Construction, and LJJ Construction until the onset of his disability.
He was united in marriage to his high school sweetheart Candace Joy Houle on May 25, 1991, in Hancock. Together they raised two sons, Spencer and Sawyer.
He was a member of First United Methodist Church in Hancock. He enjoyed playing pickup basketball on Thursday nights, golfing, and playing softball. He enjoyed spending time at the China Hunting Camp with the Houle family and at the hunting camp on White Siding Rd. with Bob, Bill, Daryll, and Dave. He was a loyal Chicago Bears football fan since the late 1980s despite the stress the team had caused him over the years. The Bears defeating the Packers recently brought him great joy. He enjoyed many family vacations to Florida, including his favorite destination, Marco Island, which often included a visit with his good friend from childhood, Teddy Monticello. He held titles including “grill master” and “pontoon captain” for the gatherings he and his family hosted. He always needed the “10-minute warning” at least one hour before leaving any social event!
He was preceded in death by his mother Donna, father Roger, stepmother Martha, father-in-law George Houle, grandmother (Granny) Margie Waymaster, and brother-in-law Randall Jon Houle.
He is survived by his loving wife of 33 years Candace Silvola; two sons, Spencer (Dayne Stuhr) and Sawyer (Kaylynn Pelto); sister Karin (Jeff) Hetcher; brothers, Peter Silvola and Edward Silvola; Mother-in-law Suzanne Houle; Brother-in-law Scott (Katie) Houle; sister-in-law Joanna Houle-Vestich (Andy Vestich); greatest great aunt Kathy (Robin) Lazenby; and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday February 1, 2025 at the First United Methodist Church in Hancock with Pastor Taegyu Shin officiating. Visitation will take place one hour before the service, at 1:00 PM, at the church. Interment will occur in the spring at the Forest Hill Cemetery.
Memorials may be directed to the Huntington’s Disease Society of America, 505 Eighth Avenue, Suite 902, New York, NY 10018.
Al will be missed by many family and friends who loved him dearly.
The O’Neill-Dennis Funeral Home in Hancock is assisting with the arrangements. To leave online condolences for his family, please go to www.oneilldennisfh.com.
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