John F. Silva

John F. Silva passed away early Saturday morning in Vacaville. He was born in Suisun but has called Benicia his home for more than 80 years. John graduated from Benicia High School in 1954 and attended U.C. Berkeley. He joined the United States Air Force when he was 21 years old and served from 1954-1958
He graduated from the FBI National Academy at the University of Virginia in 1978. Following his discharge was a member of the Benicia Reserve Police Officers in the mid 50's. He spent a year working as a police officer in Davis before coming back to his home town where he worked from 1959-1987. He achieved the rank of Deputy Chief before retiring in 1987. John also was City Manager for the City of Benicia from 1978-1987. He was actually Deputy Chief of Police, City Manager and Deputy Fire Chief for the City of Benicia, all at the same time from 1978-1987.
John was a member of the Benicia City Council from 1988-1996 and a member of the Solano County Board of Supervisors. He was re-elected twice and served as either chairman or or vice chairman several times.
John was a member of many civic organizations and has earned multiple accolades from several associations including: National Association of Counties Justice and Public Steering Committee; Association of Bay Area Governments; San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission (BCDC), Bay Area Air Quality Management District; Chairman of the California Association of Counties Justice Committee; City of Vallejo Sanitation and Flood Control District; the Solano County Water Agency; Fouts Springs Youth Facility; Goodwill Industries of the East Bay; Benicia Chamber of Commerce; Rotary Club of Benicia; Benicia Lions Club; Institute of Preventive Medicine, Sutter Solano Medical Center; Solano County Fair Association, and Partnership Health Planet of California.
His awards include CSAC Prestigious Circle of Service Award in 2008; Solano Transportation Authority Outstanding Leadership in Transportation. John was awarded a Blue Ribbon from the Western Fair Association in recognition of dedicated support to the Solano County Fair.
One of his biggest accomplishments was his involvement in developing a program in to ensure health insurance for all kids, achieving a level of 96% coverage for children in Solano County. The fundraising efforts of John and many others in Solano County were recognized by the State of California.
His hobbies included hunting, fishing, camping and spending time at their place in Graeagle, CA.
John is survived by his son Rick (Deanna) Silva; grandchildren, Amber (Nathan) Clemons, Crystal O'Connell, Stacy Silva, Jonathon McGuire; and great grandchildren Colton, Clayton, Abigail, Grant, Drew and Isabella. He was preceded in death by Janice, his wife of almost 65 years in 2021 and his grandson John F.G. Silva in 2022.
Visitation will be Monday, January 20th from 2-6 p.m. at Passalacqua Funeral Chapel. Funeral services including Military Honors will be held 11:00 a.m., Tuesday at Northgate Christian Fellowship, 2201 Lake Herman Road, Benicia. Burial will be private. The family prefers donations in his name be sent to Benicia Police Officers Association or Sutter Solano Hospital Foundation.