Robert P. Silva

New Bedford - Robert P. Silva, aged 71 years, died Friday, January 25, 2008, after a long illness. He was the husband of Jan (Thomas) Silva of New Bedford. Mr. Silva was the father of Kristen Silva-Thomas of Sharon, MA., Sharyn Adams of Marshfield, MA., Michael Silva of Sandwich, MA. and the late Michelle Silva. He was the grandfather of Jessica Michelle Davis, Holly Adams, Morgan Park Silva, and Elisabeth Lovedy Silva. Mr. Silva was the brother of Frank P. Silva of Dartmouth. He is also survived by his aunts Olive Lawrence,Evelyn Perriera and Mary Perry and 3 nieces.

Mr. Silva was a son of the late Elsie (Perry) and Jose S. Silva Jr. He was born in New Bedford and was a life long resident. He was the manager for some 30+ years with Finest Fence, he later worked at Smith Fall River Lumber Company and King Lumber. He also worked at Mass Air at the New Bedford Airport as a mechanic, servicing aircrafts. He was a U. S. Army Veteran of the Viet-Nam War. He was a member of the Dighton Intertribal Indian Council. His interests included Bluegrass music, playing the banjo and Native American Drumming. He was a former member of the Wolftail Singers and the Nipmuck Turtle Drum.

Robert raised, trained, and exhibited Champion Chesapeake Bay Retrievers and Smooth Fox Terriers. He was Past President of the Bristol County Dog Training Club and was a former member of the Wampanoag Kennel Club as well as the Plymouth County Dog Training Club.

Mr. Silva’s funeral service will be Tuesday February 5, 2008 at 11 A.M. Visiting will be prior to service begining at 10:15 A.M. Burial will follow at Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne for 1 P.M.

In lieu of flowers a donation may be made in his name to the Dighton Intertribal Indian Council, P.O.Box 49, Raynham, MA. 02767, and The Joslin Diabetes Center 1 Joslin Place Boston, MA. 02215