Carl graduated from UW-Madison in 1965 and was a member of the famed 1963 Rose Bowl team. He continued playing football professionally for the St. Louis Cardinals and Atlanta Falcons from 1965-68. After playing professional football he had a business career that spanned 35 years in the insurance and banking industries. He retired from US Bank in 2003. Carl was active in several UW alumni organizations, including past president of the National W Club, one of the largest alumni organizations for letter-winners in the United States. He was a longtime resident of Mequon.

Survivors include: wife Deborah (nee Singer); children Scott (Amy) Silvestri and Julie (Bob) Horn; grandchildren Luke, Jenna and Alyssa Silvestri and Brendan Horn as well as two expectant gifts from God; special nephew of Ida and Anthony Silvestri.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Alfred and Carmela, and brother, the Rev. Vincent Silvestri.

In loving memory of Carl, memorials in his name may be sent to the Carl A. Silvestri Scholarship Fund, c/o Badger Fund, 1440 Monroe St., Madison, WI 53711.