Peter Gerard Silva

Peter G. Silva, 61, of Beverly, passed away March 8, 2026, at Mass General Hospital, Boston after a courageous battle with cancer. Son of the late Anthony J. and Ruth (McCauley) Silva, and beloved husband and best friend of Diane (Costa) Silva, Peter was born and raised in Beverly. He graduated from Beverly High School and the Topsfield Police Academy 32nd MPOC. He went on to earn a bachelor's degree in criminal justice from Springfield College and a master's degree from Anna Maria College.

He began his public service career as a reserve police officer in Wenham in 1985. In 1988 he joined the Essex Police Department as a full-time police officer. He earned his degrees while working full time and after several years as a Patrolman, was appointed the Essex Police Chief. His love of boating served him well as he was also appointed Harbormaster, giving him the opportunity to be on the water he loved so much.

Pete was a real community police officer. He loved serving the residents of Essex and they loved him back. He was responsible for various Town initiatives including the first community to join the Regional Dispatch Center, earning the prestigious award of Accreditation, working with the school and implementing the P.E.T.E program which encouraged the interaction of elementary school children with the Police Officers by collecting trading cards to earn prizes and providing a platform for parents to meet the Officers. He sponsored a bike rodeo to promote safety and provided helmets to kids at no cost. He implemented the CAST program for seniors to recognize their birthdays.

In 2019, he retired from the Essex Police Department but not from public service. He was a Special with the Ipswich Police Department until the time of his passing and was a certified first responder and EMT since 1985.

Growing up near the harbor, he cultivated his love for boating. Of course, his first boat was a Boston Whaler. Through the years he bought and sold several of them after starting a small business. Soon he was known as the guy who always had a Whaler in his yard for sale.

In addition to his passion for boating, he loved music and was fortunate to be part of several bands including "BlueStreak" with his fellow police officers, "Uncharted Watahs" as well as a stint with his favorite harmony band, "Rule of 3 Experience". He couldn't read a note of music but played the drums, the guitar, piano and keyboards by ear. He loved attending concerts with Diane, especially his favorite band, Chicago.

Peter is survived by: His loving wife of 32 years, Diane; his brother Anthony and his wife Lori of Essex, MA; his sister Joanne Anderson and her husband Joseph of Wakefield, MA; his sister Sheri Danforth and her husband Charles of Myrtle Beach, SC; his sister-in-law Deborah Costa of Ipswich, MA and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his niece Bonnie Danforth. He will be profoundly missed by Diane, his family, friends, neighbors, fellow public servants and bandmates.

His funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Mary Star of the Sea Church, 253 Cabot Street, Beverly, on Monday, March 16th at 10:30AM. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. Visiting hours at the Campbell Funeral Home, 525 Cabot Street, Beverly on Sunday, March 15th from 2 to 5PM. Burial will be at St. Mary's Cemetery, 106 Brimbal Avenue, Beverly. Contributions may be made in Peter's memory to the Kaplan Family Hospice House, 78 Liberty Street, Danvers, MA 01923 or Mass General Hospital at select Massachusetts General Hospital then select Mass General Hospital/Mass General/NorthShore Cancer Center Fund. Information, directions, condolences at www.campbellfuneral.com.