John V. DaSilva

John V. DaSilva, 81, of Pawcatuck, passed away on April 9, 2014. He was the husband of Antonia Rebello DaSilva, who predeceased him in May of 1997.
John was born in Aveiro, Portugal, the son of the late Alfredo Valente and Maria Jose DaSilva.
After fulfilling his military obligation in the Portuguese Army, he worked for a commercial fishing boat in the Grand Banks for several years. Looking to find other opportunities he traveled to Brazil. It was there he met his future wife, Antonia. After their marriage they moved to Stonington.
He worked at Kellems Division and Electric Boat Corp., where he retired after twenty-five years of service. John was quick to learn trade and building skills and enjoyed working on a variety of projects, ranging from renovating houses to making model boats. During his retirement he would help with any project where his skill and experience would benefit others.
Always busy, John never failed to make time for family. Whether he was working with his brother on a project, or having his morning coffee with his daughter and grandchildren, he would spend his day helping the people he loved.
He was a loyal follower of soccer and rooted for the Portuguese team 'Sporting' from Lisbon. He was a communicant of St. Michael's Church.
He will be sadly missed by his daughter, Elizabeth Reynolds (Kevin) and their daughters, Patricia, Theresa and Antonia; his sister Gloria Julio and brother Jack DaSilva (Eva), his sisters-in-law Darcelina DaSilva and Ilda DaSilva, his nephews: Joe Julio, Jack P. DaSilva (Melody), nieces: Rosalie Labonte (Ron), Maria Jose Dasilva and Julie Dozier (Austin) and several grandnieces and grandnephews. He was predeceased by two brothers, Manuel and Alfredo DaSilva, and a brother-in-law, Jose Julio.
Visiting hours will be held on Sunday, from 1-3 p.m., in Gaffney-Dolan Funeral Home, 59 Spruce St., Westerly. Relatives and friends are also invited to attend a Funeral Liturgy on Monday at 10 a.m., in St. Mary's Church, 95 Main St., Stonington. There is no procession to the church from the funeral home. Burial will follow in St. Michael Cemetery, Pawcatuck. In Lieu of flowers the family respectfully suggests making a donation to the St. Michael's Church Building Fund, 60 Liberty St., Pawcatuck, CT 06379, in John's memory. For online condolences, please visit www.gaffneydolanfuneralhome.com