William R. Silva, 94, passed away on March 16, 2022, at Life Care of Raynham with his loving family by his side. He was the husband of the late Beverly (Prado) Silva with whom he shared 52 years of marriage.
He was born in Fall River, the son of the late Manuel B. and Mary (Amaral) Silva. Bill was a 1946 graduate of Taunton High School, a 1950 graduate of Providence College and graduate of the Boston School of Anatomy and Embalming. He became a licensed funeral director in the State of Massachusetts in October of 1949. Following graduation, Mr. Silva worked with his father and sister at the Silva Funeral Home of Taunton. Later he co-owned the funeral home with his sister Dorothy where became president and treasurer.
He was very active in the community and was a member of many clubs and organizations including the Prince Henry Society, Portuguese American Civic Club, St. Peters Society, Providence College Alumni, Taunton Chamber of Commerce, Italian Social Club and many other organizations.
In 1956 he was elected to the Taunton School Committee where he served until 1961. He was active with the March of Dimes for several years also.
He was a recipient of the Marian Medal which he received from Bishop Cronin in 1983 and also received from the Jaycee “Man Of The Year, Distinguished Service Award” in 1960.
He took pride in hosting students from Brazil with his wife and family from 1964 to 1970.
Bill served on the Board of directors for the former BayBank. He was also a former director and charter member of Hospice Care of Greater Taunton.
He enjoyed traveling, going to casinos and most of all spending time with his family. Children of all ages - family and strangers alike - if found in the vicinity of Bill Silva, would come into possession of a crisp $5 bill.
Mr. Silva is survived by his loving children, Billie-Ann Doel, Mark B. Silva and wife Carey and Bruce W. Silva and wife Claire all of Taunton. Grandfather of Kyle Doel, Jaime Lynn Rheaume, Kimberly Melo, Gary Santos Jr. and Corey Silva, great-grandfather of several and several nieces and nephews. He was also the father-in-law of the late Wayne Doel and the brother of the late Dorothy Silva King.
Mr. Silva’s funeral will be held on Wednesday, March 23, 2022 at 9:30am from the Silva Funeral Home 80 Broadway (at Saint Mary’s Square) Taunton, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 11am in Saint Anthony Church School Street, Taunton. Interment will follow in Saint Joseph Cemetery.
Visiting hours will be held on Tuesday, March 22nd from 4 to 7pm in the Silva Funeral Home. Additional parking with handicap access is located on the North side of the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts be made to Compassionate Care Hospice, Amedisy Foundation, 354 American Way, Suite A, Baton Rouge, LA 70816 in Bill’s memory, would be deeply appreciated.
For expressions of sympathy, to sign an online guestbook or to light a memorial candle, visit www.silvafuneralhome.com
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of William R. Silva, please visit our flower store.