John P. Silva. Jr.

GLOUCESTER — John P. Silva. Jr., 76, died Saturday, May 9, 2009 in the Massachusetts General Hospital following a brief illness. He was the husband of Norma (Blatchford) Silva.

Born in Gloucester on Feb. 18, 1933 he was the son of the late John and Mabel (McLeod) Silva. Mr. Silva served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and was stationed in France before being honorably discharged in January 1955. He continued to serve in the U.S. Army Reserves until January 1961.

John started working at GMI Laundry when he was a young teen. When GMI Laundry closed in 1963, he began working for Bomco, Inc. as a machinist and maintenance man until his retirement in 2004.

One of John's favorite places was the waterfront where many years were spent lobstering with his brother "Big Jim." He also could be often found using his "hands of gold" doing woodworking and gardening. John was an enthusiastic sports fan and especially enjoyed the Boston Red Sox. He loved to talk sports with anyone and enjoyed his many walks with his good friend, Larry Stanwood and Larry's dog "Pring."

In addition to his wife of 52 years, he is survived by his daughter, Cynthia Silva; three sisters, Florence (Perry) Grover of Gloucester, Genevieve (Silva) Wallace of Rockport, and Madelyn (Silva) Morash of Gloucester and Florida. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Beatrice (Wallace) Blatchford of Gloucester and many loving nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by two brothers, Francis "Shorty" Perry and James "Big Jim" Silva and his sister, Marie (Perry) Landry.

ARRANGEMENTS: His funeral service will be held on Wednesday in the Pike-Grondin Funeral Home, 61 Middle St., Gloucester at 10 a.m. Visiting hours will be held on Tuesday from 5 to 7 p.m. Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in John's memory to the Cape Ann Animal Aid Building Fund, 260 Main St., Gloucester, MA 01930 or to a charity of one's choice. Interment will be in the Beechbrook Cemetery, W. Gloucester. For information and to send online condolences, please visit www.grondinfuneralservices.com.