Joseph R. Silva

Joseph R. Silva, 85, of Rehoboth, passed away peacefully on Monday, February 23. He was the husband of Diana C. (Cestodio) Silva, with whom he shared nearly 57 years of marriage. Born in Fall River, he was the son of the late Manuel R. Silva and Jennie (Zezutek) Silva.

Joe drove a tanker truck with Gulf Oil for 25 years before his retirement, earning several awards for safety and service. He was a sports enthusiast, cheering on or, depending on the season, critiquing the Red Sox, Bruins, and Patriots. He played for many years on a Swansea-based softball league, but his true passion was golf. An avid and skilled golfer, he competed in tournaments and could be found almost daily on the course with fellow golfing friends and family members, particularly Pine Valley, Sun Valley (Hazelton Golf Club), and Crestwood Country Club all in Rehoboth.

Joe was an expert storyteller, humorist, jimmy-rigger, advice- and driving directions-giver; instigator; and political debater. He loved to argue, enjoying lengthy conversations with almost anyone, on almost any topic. Growing up on a farm, Joe kept a large and well-tended vegetable garden for years. He will be missed by many, including the numerous medical professionals he enjoyed giving a hard time. Joe considered razzing a high compliment.

Besides his wife, he is survived by: his children, Karen Wheatman, and son-in-law Mark, of Thousand Oaks, California; Gayle M. Pine of Dighton; and Joseph M. Silva, and son-in-law Timothy Silvia, of South Dartmouth; his sister, Anna T. Mullen of Swansea; his grandchildren, Richard A. Salve, and granddaughter-in-law Danielle, and Matthew and Nicholas Wheatman; his great-granddaughter, Paige K. Salve; his many nieces and nephews; and his beloved cats, Suzie, Lenny, and Mia.

He was preceded in death by: his daughter, JoAnn Silva; his brother, Antone R. Silva; and his sister, Marilyn Vezina.

Relatives and Friends are invited to attend his Mass of Christian Burial to celebrated on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, in St. Patrick Church (Our Lady of Peace Parish), Somerset at 10:00 am. Private Committal Service and interment to follow.

To ensure that the family receives all online condolences you may wish to share, please submit only to the funeral home's website [ www.silvafaria.com at "Sign Guestbook" or "Send Sympathy Card"] and not through a third party. Thank you!

Omit flowers. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Joseph's memory to the Rehoboth Animal Shelter, 148 Peck Street, Rehoboth, MA 02769; 508-252-5421; https://www.rehobothma.gov/animal-control