Donald Anthony Silva, also known as “Don Manidoogekek,” died peacefully from a recurrence of cancer on Wednesday July 27, 2022 at his home.
Born on October 5, 1956 and raised in the Taunton area, Donald is a member of the Bear Clan of the Saulte St. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians. Don was very proud of his Indian heritage. He is a member of the Algonquin Medicine Society, former Chief of the Dighton Intertribal Indian Council, Former MCNAAA Advisory Committee Member, member of UNACC (United Native American Cultural Center) and a member of various Native and non native groups.
Native Spirituality was a driving force in his life and he conducted many and various ceremonies. He was instrumental in helping to establish Red Road recovery meetings and the Red Road PowWow in Dighton, MA. He touched many lives in various groups, making special connections. Together, Donald and Nancy brought their energy for organizing to the local Native community, bringing together diverse gatherings from socials, PowWow’s and craft fairs, amongst others.
Donald enjoyed spending time in Michigan with his family, participating in ceremonies and visiting with friends. He especially enjoyed spending time with his Uncle Micky at the Sugar Bush on Sugar Island, making maple syrup while “shooting the shit” as the sap boiled.
In 1997, Don graduated from St. Elizabeth’s School of Nursing as a registered nurse. He was proud of his earlier career as a mason. He especially loved working at NACOB (Native American Indian Center of Boston) as a diabetes education coordinator, working in the native community was fulfilling for him.
Staying at home with Nancy and their four leggeds, Mukwa, Spot, Stachu and Sophie to name a few. Donald had a subtle sense of humor, loving those moments when he caught conversation partners unaware with it. He was a story teller, keeping them simple and deep.
When he was younger working on his GTO, with his father and brothers brought him great joy.
In addition to his wife, Nancy (Spat) of 29 years, Don is survived by his sons Jeff Silva (Laurie) and Mike Silva (Katie); his four grandchildren, Claire, Griffin, Paige and Hazel; his mother, Barbara Silva; two sisters, Sandra Rose and Debbie Paige (Larry); two brothers, Brian Silva and Tim Silva (Jen); as well as many nieces and nephews.
Donald was predeceased by his father Arnold A. and his brother Billy Silva. He was also predeceased by his biological mother, Agnes (Mendoskin) Frechette of Saulte St. Marie, Michigan.
The circle of lives touched by Donald (and Nancy) is wide, full of gratitude and honor.
Visitation will be held at the Conley Funeral Home 138 Belmont Street (rte. 123) Brockton on Thursday, August 4, 2022 from 4-8pm and on Friday, August 5, from 4-7pm with a funeral service at 7-8pm.
On Saturday, August 6, 1pm, there will be a memorial gathering and potluck in Taunton at the Oak Hill Mobile Home Park, Meeting House, 1 Beech St., Taunton, MA 02780. Bring a dish, serves 6-8 people. Please Do NOT bring serving utensils.
Flowers; Please patronize Paul Douglas Floral Design, 130 King St (Rte 3A), Cohassett, MA. (781) 383-2700
Donations; May be made to your local Animal Shelter in Donald’s name.
Live Streaming will begin at 6:00 pm
**Please note that live streaming is not guaranteed. We depend on available internet via WI-FI, ethernet cable or cellular service providers. The strength of internet connections will determine the reliability of the video stream. In the event that the connection was bad or interrupted, we will do our very best to get the clean recording of the ceremony on our website within a few hours from the end of the ceremony**