Robert F. Silva, 84, of Provincetown died peacefully at his home in Provincetown, Thursday, August 7th, surrounded by his loving family.
Born in Provincetown on April 4, 1930, to the late William F. Silva and Emma Collins Silva, he married the love of his life, Veronica Mae Leonard who preceded him in death just 13 short days ago. As stated correctly in Mom’s obituary they will celebrate their 64th wedding anniversary together on September 9, 2014.
Even at a young age our Dad had a passion for business and working hard. When he was a young boy he picked blueberries for local restaurants, carried bags for passengers arriving in Provincetown on the S. S. Steel Pier, sold popcorn outside of Patrick’s Newsstand and hawked newspapers with his late sister Eleanor Silva Dillon. When Dad was twelve, he worked for his father at the Sandwich Shop (now the Governor Bradford) washing dishes and doing odd jobs. However, It was while making a deliver for Acme Laundry to 151 Bradford Street, the home of the late Provincetown fisherman, Fred Salvador, where Dad received his biggest pay day yet.....it was there he first laid eyes on his beloved bride Veronica Mae Leonard.
After graduating from Becker College, Dad went to work for BH Dyers as their bookkeeper. Along with working at BH Dyers, Dad kept books for the local trap boats and compiled tax returns for several businesses in town. One of his tax accounts was Joe the Barber who owned the Dairy Queen at the time. It was through this connection that Dad along with his brother, the late Elmer I. Silva, bought the Dairy Queen.
Dad transitioned into the insurance business in the early 1960’s with the help of his mentor Sibert Benson and later with his friend, Elizabeth Carlos of William H. Young Insurance Agency, forming Benson and Young Insurance Agency, a career that lasted until his retirement.
Dad was well loved and respected for his business sense and many sought his advice. Dad was elected a Corporator of Seamen’s Savings Bank in 1954 and was made a Trustee in 1955 through 2002 when he retired. Although retired, he faithfully attended bank meetings every Wednesday until about a year ago. He was a life member of the Provincetown Lion’s Club and very active in the St. Vincent DePaul Society.
Dad overcame many physical challenges. It continues to amaze us that he was our Mom’s primary caregiver until 4 years ago. Although legally blind and no longer able to drive, Dad continued to play golf with both his friends from Boca Raton, FL and those at Highland Links in Truro. Dad also came to love his power scooter and the freedom it gave him to enjoy his favorite stops; Far Land where all the girls fussed over him, MacMillan Pier, the barbershop for a haircut and visit with his dear friend Gordon, the Coffee Pot for an update with brother Mark’s old friends, and the Provincetown Florist to buy flowers for Mom.
Papa spent the afternoon of August 1, 2014, surrounded by his grandchildren: Jenna VanderMeer, Ross Silva (fiance’, Molly Despres), Kendra VanderMeer, Megan VanderMeer Lewis (husband, Michael), Cody Silva, Emma Silva, Kelsey Trovato, Natalie Silva, Kaitlyn Silva, Michael Trovato, and Patrick Silva, who were laughing while eating ice cream in celebration of their Nana’s life and her love for sweets. Their celebration and time with Papa that day even included a 2014 rendition of L O V E, which they had previously sung and danced to at their Nana and Papa’s 50th wedding anniversary.
Each of us, Stephen William Silva (his wife, Candy), Mark Robert Silva, Karen Ann VanderMeer (her husband, Bob and daughter Tarrell VanderMeer Wright), Debra Mae Trovato (her husband, Michael), David Leonard Silva, Paul Richard Silva (his wife, Karen) as well as adopted grandchildren, Kenny and Veronica Gaspa, many nieces, nephews, godchildren and friends have been blessed by Dad’s hard work and love.
Dad was also blessed with many loving and devoted caregivers whom we would like to thank for giving us children comfort and peace of mind. Knowing that our parents were well cared for was a real gift. Dad especially enjoyed getting out of the house, which often included rides to PJ’s in Wellfleet for a visit with his late sister Dorothy Silva Reeves.
In keeping with Mom’s wishes (yes, Mom’s wishes as she was still the boss), there will be no wake service for Dad. Please join us at a Funeral Mass that will be celebrated in St. Peter the Apostle Church, 11 Prince Street, Provincetown on Monday, August 11, at 11:00 am followed by internment in St. Peter the Apostle Cemetery. Memorial fellowship at The Red Inn, 15 Commercial Street, Provincetown will follow.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Dad’s memory may be made to the St. Vincent de Paul Society, c/o St. Peter the Apostle Church, 11 Prince Street, Provincetown, MA 02657 or The Provincetown Lion’s Club, PO Box 586, Provincetown, MA 02657.