UPDATE: Link to Facebook page – “In Loving Memory of Todd Silvestri”
Vincent Todd Silvestri, a former Gallaudet University football and wrestling star, a US Deaflympic wrestler, and coach, died suddenly yesterday or last night. I really don’t know the full details but I’m informed by someone on Facebook that he committed suicide and was founded by one of his brothers in the basement. I’m absolutely shocked and saddened by his death. My deep condolences and prayers to Toselli and the Silvestri family. Hang in there, Tos.
I was fortunate to meet and got to know Todd some times in my years at Gallaudet. He was really nice and cool to me, since I was a first-year player for Gallaudet football (he ended his football career long before me) and he always supported the young Bison players in practices and in games. He was quite a presence in the football locker room or on the field, and had a larger than life personality. He would make you feel like he was happy to see an old friend again, even if you have met him for the first time. That’s Todd, alright.
Less than 2 years ago, he was admitted into Gallaudet University Hall of Fame, details here (scroll down to second to last inductee – being his football teammate). He deserved a spot in the storied history of Gallaudet sports. Below is a recent picture of Vincent Todd Silvestri (right) with his former Gallaudet football coach, Bob Westermann.
He had been coaching young wrestling and football players in various deaf schools across the country, most recently Indiana School for the Deaf. All told, he was an inspiration to the young student-players.
Rest in peace, Todd.
UPDATE 5.02.2010: He was only 47 years old and had been battling depression for years. He was married recently but had no children.
UDATE 5.03.2010: If you know someone or you are battling depression, suffering with mental illness, and/or contemplating suicide, there are good helps and resources here: http://deafness.about.com/cs/mentalhealth/a/mentalhealth.htm. Please make use of these resources for the sake of someone you know or for your sake.
UPDATE 5.06.2010: Just learned of this today – article on Todd Silvestri from Gallaudet University Athletics Department.
05/01/2010 at 10:56 PM
I actually know :/ I miss him alot, he was my Pe teacher. I don’t even know that he did died.
– He’s cool man ever i had teacher but he always beg my gpa is good like never get failed. Oh well.
We will always pray of His family.
05/02/2010 at 6:50 AM
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by DeafRead, Deaf Village. Deaf Village said: Rest in peace, Todd Silvestri, Great Football, All-American Wrestler Star: Vincent Todd Silvestri, a former Gallau… http://bit.ly/dmMIUz [...]
05/02/2010 at 9:42 AM
Our friend from Gallaudet University has passed away two days ago. He is too young to die. I can not comprehend what just had happened two days ago. My dearest condolenses to his dear family and friends. I knew him as classmate, student, and a friend. He was very strong and well liked and loved by everyone who knew him. He left a heartache to family and friends. He is at a better place where there is no pain. God bless his soul. Todd, rest in peace! God be with you always.
05/02/2010 at 10:30 AM
I might’ve known Todd during my early Gallaudet years and I found out the was in my Class of 1987. I’m very sorry that he’s passed on.
Depression is not a funny business. I have had it for years, but I am getting better since moving to Minnesota from Maryland 3 years ago. Moving here was the best thing I’ve ever done and I am much happier. I wish Todd found that in himself.
Anyone who is depressed and not on medication, please ASK for help! Don’t hide it! It’s nothing to be ashamed about! Tell your doctor how you are feeling and someone will help you.
It takes a while to feel better, but it’s not too late to ask for help.
Bless Todd’s family as they go through grief and please pray for them.
Kate
05/02/2010 at 11:20 AM
Sad to hear that! I remember him around campus at Gallaudet but never really knew him or met him.
05/02/2010 at 12:10 PM
I was shocked and stunned by the death of Todd Silvestri, and knew him well enough in MSSD. I couldn’t believe that he gone for real. My deepest condolences to Toselli and his his family. He was such a nice guy and kind hearted person.
05/02/2010 at 3:18 PM
Darn! I’m deeply shocked to receive this news. I know Todd from MSSD – he and I were on the same wrestling team and we were also in a few same classes. Yep, he was very cool. I give my deep condolences to Toselli and his family. God rests Todd’s soul.
05/02/2010 at 4:07 PM
I was very shock hear about Todd Silvestri was passed away wow hard beleive he is gone , I pray for his family hang on and memory of good thing of Todd. He was my former classmate in mssd he is best player wrestle and other sport ever i see he was success his future now he gone oh man that is real sad to hear cause him difficult his life . I understand and I will keep prayer for his family .
Pal
Fonda
05/02/2010 at 4:19 PM
Hey very sadly what he doing in heaven. I have never forget about I did ask someone who have closely him that what my fellings stronger what his feelings unhappy as depression that no easy for him! So, I told them please keep contact him keep up to happy stay away depression but that too late!
05/02/2010 at 4:21 PM
I thought he had 2 years old daugther? Am I wrong?
05/02/2010 at 4:31 PM
I know Todd Silvestri since Middle school in PSD.. Todd is great man, football and wrestler. I remember when PSD play against MSSD in 1981 and 1982. We always play against eachother and revenge eachother then after game done.. We always been friend as good. He left PSD in 1979.. I really miss him and I truly are sorry that he passed away. I always love his family and know them well.. My dearest condolenses to his dear family.
05/02/2010 at 4:52 PM
Hello…
I’m a member of Gallaudet University Athletics Hall of Fame with Todd Silvestri and other members as we’re in the Class of 2009. I have had known him since we met in the US Deaf Olympics 1985 as he wrestled and I swam. We were also Gallaudet students.
There are good memories all about Todd through the Deaf Olympics and Gallaudet University especially GU Athletics Hall of Fame ceremony.
I learned that Todd was NOT alone who battled depression for years. I’m expressing that I’ve been battling my depression like what Todd did. When I left Gallaudet Hall of Fame ceremony, I returned home in Colorado and a friend worried about me because my depression got worse, worse, worse. She got me admitted in the hospital for some help. She saved my life from what I did attempt like what Todd did.
Since Todd is GONE, I finally realize how everyone feel about losing him as good friend, brother/sister, etc. It’s good thing, I already have been attending counseling twice a month plus attending Church. I will NOT ever think of attempting like Todd. I have kept myself BUSY very well with sports – which keeps me alive with good spirits, instead of depression.
I’m learning to deal with grief of our beloved friend Todd Silvestri.
Michelle (Micki) Poole
GU Athletics Hall of Famer – Class of 2009
05/02/2010 at 5:24 PM
Brenda, I believe the 2 years old “daughter” belong to one of Todd’s best friends.
To all those who posted here about Todd, thank you.
05/02/2010 at 7:16 PM
[...] Rest in peace, Todd Silvestri, Great Football, All-American Wrestler Star UPDATE: Link to Facebook page – “In Loving Memory of Todd Silvestri” [...]
05/02/2010 at 11:10 PM
Im truely going to miss my coach from high school 2003-2006. who taught me the Values of Life and Wrestling. Not only that, but that by me being Deaf shouldnt be an obstacle for me in life. With his actions he made me see life in a whole different way and for that I THANKYOU. He was not only my coach but my true and sincere friend who i could trust when i needed anything. You will Truely be Missed by ALL OF US. Our Sincere Condolences go to his family. We will keep the family in our prayers.( R.I.P Coach Todd Silvestri 1963-2010)
05/02/2010 at 11:23 PM
Hey Todd,
I will never forget you when you were mssd varsity football cocah/drill and wrestling coach too. I learned lots from you and your brother- you are the best coach/wrestler coach. The 4horsemen will miss u on wrestle mat.
Rest in peace
My brother/coach Todd
05/02/2010 at 11:50 PM
God speed! I knew Todd is kind of patient and he want to be peace in heaven. He really work hard by himself. He is the best deaf guy in the sports fame!
05/03/2010 at 6:41 AM
I just learned about his death during I had an orienteering event in West Point. It was so SHOCKED news. Last time I bumped into with him at Maryland House on I-95 as I was on the way down to BWI for tennis training in California 2001 few weeks before Rome Deaflympics. He was excited about buy the house in Riverside, CA thats where he used to teach at CSD Riverside. Sad to see him gone. peace and bless with his family. Billy
05/03/2010 at 7:47 AM
Todd, you will be missed by me and many of the others in the deaf community. He once babysat my son while i was in class at gallaudet. He has a kind heart and always had a gleaming smile. My prayers are with you and your family.
Love, Holly
05/03/2010 at 9:53 AM
Brenda,
From my knowledge. Todd have no children of his own. But I think I did heard he is a GOD father to his best friend children.
05/03/2010 at 12:03 PM
My sympathy. Any relation to Mary “Muffy” Silvestri?
05/03/2010 at 3:02 PM
Our condolences to the Silvestri’s family. We are shock and saddened to hear about Todd Silvestri. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Warm hugs,
President Ken Elks ’80
MSSD Alumni Association
05/03/2010 at 7:13 PM
Todd was great Gallaudet football team captain for 3 years..he was great motivator for the football team,,helped some players to make better player on team..my consoldences to his family
05/03/2010 at 11:18 PM
I was stunned and saddned to hear the news. I used to be Todd’s asst wrestling coach at MSSD. He was one of the outstanding wrestlers I had ever seen. He made several incredible “last moment” comeback to win matches. Great leader as well on both inside and outside of wrestling mats. Tood and I often crossed our paths in everywhere
in the world and enjoyed chatting. I really admire Todd as who he was. I understand that Todd invested and helped setting up National Deaf Prep Wrestling Tournament. To honor Todd, let’s change it to Todd Silvestri Memorial Wrestling Tournament. My condolences to Toselli, his family, and his wife. Ron Gough
05/04/2010 at 12:42 AM
Rob,
I extend my deepest condolences to Todd’s family. Would you know where I can contact Todd’s brother Toselli to whom I would like to send a note of sympathy. We have lost a swell friend like Todd. May God bring eternal happiness to him.
05/04/2010 at 6:46 AM
Jean, I do not have Toselli’s contact but I believe he is on Facebook. You can try it there.
To those who posted very recently, thank you.
05/04/2010 at 7:09 AM
I was really saddenned to hear about Todd. He was a great football player at Gally. He was the defensive captain my senior year and I am the other Todd who was the offensive captain. My prayers go to his family. This was a real shock to me.
05/04/2010 at 12:15 PM
I’m much stunned by this tragic news of Todd. He was the most coolest and dearest to me and others for years. I’m totally shocked and deeply saddened by his sudden death which is unfair to his life accumulated as the most hard-working gentleman in many roles he had been represented for locally, nationally and worldly I admired his generous heart! Here’s my dearest and deepest condolences to his younger brother, Toselli and his family with my prayers. What a beautiful Italian family Todd had! With my warmest sympathy, Patti Clark Goulston
05/04/2010 at 5:41 PM
It was real unnecessary to put the details on how he died and who found him. That was real disrespected. The Silvestri family are going thru grievance moment. All people need time to pay the respect for the family especially Toselli instead of figuring out how when who etc. Please remove the statement.
Thanks.
Editor’s note: Statement has been re-edited, not removed. See further comment.
05/04/2010 at 6:47 PM
I am shocked and surprised that he passed away. I didn’t know he had disease in depreession. For those you said, he should have gotten help. Maybe he did but it didn’t help or that the pyschologiist or pyschatrist thought it was not serious or something. I met him while I was at NYSSD and he was at MSSD. He was a cool guy. He will be sorely missed by those who are close to him. He will be in my thoughts always.
God rest your soul, Todd!
05/04/2010 at 7:09 PM
Carol, I learned of the specific details regarding his suicide Saturday morning by someone from Facebook who claimed it’s reliable information and confirmed. Unfortunately, other people, including me, who read that were taken aback by it and it became instant fact. I apologize to you and the Silvestri family for using these details. However, please do keep in mind that depression and suicide are common problems in the Deaf community and Todd’s death should bring awareness regarding depression and suicide, as he was a well-known and prominent figure in the Deaf community worldwide. That’s why I made a recent entry with a link to resources to help Deaf/HoH people who are suffering from depression and may contemplate suicide. Hope you understand. Thanks.
05/05/2010 at 12:11 PM
We are as much as heart-struck too and send our deepest condolences for we also know him well.
He always to us one finest guy with good heart, we hold dear to all of his family, and his brother Toselli for entire time being in peace with lasting memories how he had been wonderful to us all.
Anne Marie and Uzi
05/05/2010 at 9:22 PM
i am very shocked about Todd’s death and hardly to believe that he is gone now. i know Todd & his brother Toselli from mssd years . i saw Todd was very talented in sports. he was hero & popular all over places. knowing that God took Todd away now R.I.P. TODD SILVESTRI & TOSELLI STAY STRONGER & FAITH HUGZ Joanna Dodd MSSD C/O 1984
05/06/2010 at 6:35 AM
I was student of Gallaudet University from 1999 to 2002; class of 2003.
I wish I met hiim. I am pretty sure that he is pretty cool, mellow out, love to social with young deaf peers.
Rest in Peace, Todd.
U shall be missed!
05/06/2010 at 12:57 PM
First of all, I want you people to stop asking dumb question during a time like this…thank you.
Sigh! when i first heard abt this…my heart dropped bigtime. I had to get the true confirm from a close source friend of mine. After he confirmed it….I was totally lost and all these flash backs goes back in the days when Todd was my defensive coach at MSSD. He and the Head Coach Bonheyo took a courage to went to a project in S.E. They went there to talk to my mother about having me join football and get me out of that kind of enviroment to live on campus. So this should tell you what kind of man Todd is and will always be remembered! I wouldnt be here today if it wasnt for him!
Rest in peace, man and you got 2 more of my brothers up there looking out for ya!
05/07/2010 at 11:46 AM
Oh No….I am very deeply shocked that he passed away. I am sure he will always be with heaven. I know him from MSSD and he was my classmate also. Yes, I know he was very kind and cool. Our condolences to the Silvertri’s family.
pray for him.
05/07/2010 at 12:08 PM
Deepest condolences go to the Silvestri family as they go through the hardest thing in their lives–griefing for a much much loved son/brother/husband…I knew Toselli from my graduate years staying at Carlin Hall and hung out with Todd and he made me feel so welcome during my time at Gallaudet. He will be very much missed and thanks to those who are open about battling depression. It is a very serious issue in the deaf community and I am battling it myself, too. This needs to be addressed in the deaf community as an issue that can be expressed without shame.
Todd is at peace now and I know that he is watching all over his family and friends who knew him and loved him. I know that he is also watching those he influenced positively through his coaching career at various schools, Deaflympics, etc…thanks Todd for all you did!
May the Silvestri family find peace soon…
05/07/2010 at 1:14 PM
It is sad to see an icon in our community gone too soon… Todd touched the lives of many people, young and old… He was funny, outgoing, friendly and in his silly ways, knew how to make people laugh. His presence made you feel special and no matter how much fun you were having, once he arrived, you had even more fun.. Todd will be missed.. REST IN PEACE TODD… To Toselli and the rest of the Silvestri family, I offer prayers of love and hope for you all..May God bless you during these difficult times..
05/07/2010 at 4:29 PM
It’s sad to learn that he was gone. I was the most hated student at MSSD based on their misunderstanding and gratification. I met Todd once at a cafeteria. We had good feedback. He was a very kind and friendly man! He will be remembered.
05/10/2010 at 8:33 AM
Todd my Man, I will miss you dearly. The staff “moms” and the children at camp Moss Hollow will miss you. RIP my friend.
05/10/2010 at 12:45 PM
To all the Silvestri family we send our love and God’s blessing that the love of others and the people ‘Todd touched will help you throouth this tough ordeal Your in our thoughs and prayers /God Bless Chales Frances Nick Ralph Vernon
05/14/2010 at 3:29 PM
Am I glad that my parents open their arms to Todd up there. He was the Godfather of wrestling at MSSD that he ALWAYS behind my back. He was also very good defensive coach, peroid.
05/15/2010 at 9:25 AM
First to the family and Friends of tod, He watching down smiling and saying “I’m at peace now.
Second. In 89 when we won at home and in 98 when we won co Championship at home with Football. Todd would look at me and smile and Said to me in Sign Lanuage, MOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO Weston.
That was my nick name for having such a big mouth where EVERYONE Felt the loundness of my mouth and hearing people couldn’t get enough of me yelling for BISON PRIDE. Todd I remember in silents with my dedication and love for the game.
He let me know that it was ok for me the passionate player that I was and respected me for being all that I could be. Thanks Todd.
05/24/2010 at 8:55 AM
Its sad to hear what happened man. Todd was a fun, cool man! We used to play wrestling if we find a spot and we wrestled. Those were the days. Really missed that.
All my deepest condolences goes to todd and his family.
08/31/2010 at 3:31 AM
First of all, Vincent was in my dream a few month ago, which I did not understand why clearly. Then until today, something told me to check the details at Gallaudet site. I happened to scroll down until I saw his name. I was also saddened and shocked to read it.
Secondly, I met Vincent at MSSD back in 1980 for an orientation. He was a great guy who helped me and others. Also, he was a great athletic at both MSSD and Gallaudet University.
Finally, please accept my extra sympathy for Vincent’s family. Please forgive me for not knowing anything about Vincent’s death ever since last May. Vincent, you touched everyone spiritually and emotionally. We will not forget your spirit, your dedication and your “athlete” skills. RIP, Vincent.
Regards,
Michael
MSSD
Class of 1984
09/07/2011 at 10:13 PM
I sad he is gone in May, 2010. me will miss looking picture go to rest peace then heaven now. I see meets MSD and ISD is remember!