Leonard Bishop Silva

Leonard Bishop Silva passed away on September 18, 2019, just four months shy of his 90th birthday. Len touched many lives with his humor, decency and positive outlook on life. Born in Sacramento and graduated from McClatchy High School, he served his country in the U.S. Army, including a two-year stint in Korea before earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from the University of California, Berkeley (1958). Len enjoyed a 30-year career as an engineer with the Guy F. Atkinson Company which included moving his young family to project sites in Pakistan for several years in the 1960s, followed by two years as empty-nesters in the Negev Desert in Israel in the early 1980s, building a sophisticated airbase for the Israeli airforce. A dedicated family man, lifelong skier, tennis player, real estate investor, Dixieland jazz lover and a proud Conservative, he will be remembered by all who knew him for his gentle nature, his easy way with a conversation, and his love of life. Len was dedicated to the Cal Alumni Association and enjoyed football tailgates and the occasional pleasure when Cal beat Stanford in the Big Game. Len is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Miriam; devoted children Denise Teague (Mike) Houston, TX, Kevin Silva (Patti) San Anselmo, CA, Celeste Silva (Jeremy) Sun Valley, ID and Colleen Silva-Siegel (Avram) Berkeley, CA and grandchildren Lauren Bene (Washington DC), Jared Bene (Vanessa) of San Francisco, Kyle Koski of Honolulu, Noah Koski of Sun Valley, Caitlan Teague of San Jose, Darien Teague of Houston, Cody Silva of Portland and Roxy Silva of Berkeley. He is also survived by his sister Joan Deem of St. Louis, MO and nieces Cheryl Johnson and Suzette Bookout and nephews Tom Deem and Michael Deem. His generous loving spirit will be missed by all who knew him. Friends and family are invited to a Celebration of Life on Saturday, October 26 at 12:00 noon at the Sneider, Sullivan & O'Connell funeral home in San Mateo, CA followed by a gathering for light refreshments at the Silva family home in San Mateo.