Roger DaSilva, 63 of Lowell, passed away peacefully after a brief illness on Friday, December 1, 2023 at his home with his family by his side.
He was born in Terceira, Azores, Portugal on July 26, 1960 and was a son of the late Candido Silva and the late Loucilia (Reis) Silva. Roger came to the United States at the young age of 9. He didn't know a word of english, and never attended a "traditional" school. He dropped out of 8th grade to work and help provide for his family. He played soccer with many from his Portuguese community. He was a handsome chick magnet, who drove a motorcycle and would fight anyone that started trouble with anyone he cared about, even if they weren't on speaking terms at the time. He went to night school to receive his GED and went on to attend Andover Trucking School where he received his CDL. Although he didn't live an easy life, he worked hard and strived to provide the best life for his family. He constantly stressed the importance of education. Education meant a better/higher paying job and, in turn, a better work life balance. That was always his wish for me. He worked so hard in hopes to leave a legacy and provide his family with the life everyone dreams of.
To many, Roger was a very private person. He worked as a truck driver for Market Basket for over 17 years, and also worked as a truck driver at Kraft and Veryfine for some years before that. He worked 65+ hour weeks, only had Saturdays off and 2 weeks of vacation a year. Those Saturdays were quickly filled with everyday tasks that the average person could tackle during a traditional 40 hour workweek. Instead of taking a typical vacation, which he had not taken in 15+ years, he would use his 2 vacation weeks for overdue house projects or upgrades.
Even though he didn't have free time to fill with hobbies, activities or adventures, he always made time for those he loved and cared for. Need help moving? Roger would be the first to volunteer. Need help fixing something on your car, or in your home? Roger to the rescue, with tools in hand. Your car broke down and you need a ride? Here comes Roger in his Blue Tacoma. Those are just some examples of how kind, helpful, and neighborly he truly was. He enjoyed talking to anyone about anything; his wisdom far outweighed his age. He honestly knew something about everything, and on the rare occasion he didn't, he would research that topic in preparation for their next discussion.
The words I would use to describe my Dad are dedicated, strong, caring, independent (stubbornly independent at times!), selfless, giving, humble, a good man, a great friend, a wonderful father and an outstanding Vovo (grandfather). His family always came first. He would never spend money on himself, unless it was absolutely necessary. Even during his final days, he enjoyed a few glasses of wine, and refused to drink anything more expensive than convenient store wine.
Always working 2nd or 3rd shift, he would drive to my school everyday and patiently await my dismissal. He did this so that he could spend time with me, even if it was just for a few minutes. He would ask me how my day went, give me a hug and a kiss, and most importantly, tell me how much he loved me and how much I meant to him. The sacrifice of his time and sleep, for just a few moments with me on those days, truly shows his magnitude of love.
He loved his family, his friends, his job, his home, his truck, his precious Graciosa, President Trump and The Second Amendment. He was an avid firearms collector, always excited to share his collection with his friends, family, and anyone he may have met with the same interest.
Above all else was his family. His daughter, his only child, his everything, Krystal. Then came my beautiful babies, his grandchildren, completing his world. Stephen, Evelyn, and Abigail meant everything to him. Most of all, I knew, undoubtedly, how much he loved me, and that we were the reason he worked so hard. A man who didn't enjoy attending parties or large family gatherings, was now arriving early with coolers chock-full of cheese, dips and other appetizers to pretty princess parties, and loud, pinata whacking, kid filled pool parties, and always with the biggest smile.
To my real-life superhero, my Dad. You truly taught me that you measure love by how freely you can give it. The man who taught me the importance of unconditional love. Not all superheros wear capes, some were truck drivers that gained their wings. To my forever protector, may you rest in the sweetest peace until we meet again. I'll love you always, with butterfly kisses from your forever little girl.
Roger is survived by his daughter, Krystal Winchester and her husband, Steve of Hudson, NH; his grandchildren, Stephen, Evelyn, and Abigail; his sister, Maria Silva and her husband, Walter of Pepperell; and two nieces, who are also his God Children, Krystina Silva of Pepperell and Nicole Silva of Fitchburg and her children Julius, Darion, and Savannah.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his siblings, the late Elio Silva and the late Maria Manuela Silva, as well as his great nephew Zachary.
At his request, funeral services were held privately & burial took place at St. Mary Cemetery in Tewksbury.
Arrangements by McDonough Funeral Home, 14 Highland Street, Lowell, 978-458-6816. Please find us on facebook or visit www.McDonoughFuneralHome.com to leave the family a message of condolence at any time.