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Rev. David E. Silva

David Silva Obituary

Rev. David E. Silva, age 85, was the devoted brother of Rita English (Jim, deceased), Jeanne Fortman (Ed, deceased) and the following deceased: Charles, Edmund, Mary Kay Ott and Richard; son of the late Charles and Clara; beloved uncle and cousin.

He was a World Wwar II D-Day Veteran.

Friends may call at VODRAZKA FUNERAL HOME OF INDEPENDENCE, 6505 BRECKSVILLE RD. (RT. 21, SO. OF ROCKSIDE) TUESDAY, 6 TO 8 P.M. Vespers Wednesday at 3 p.m. at St. John Bosco Church, 6480 Pearl Rd., where Fr. Silva will lie in state until 7 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial 11 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 18 at St. John Bosco Church, Bishop Anthony M. Pilla will be the Principal Celebrant. Interment at Holy Cross Cemetery. Family suggests contributions to Borromeo Seminary, 28700 Euclid Ave., Wickliffe, OH 44092 or Holy Family Hospice, 6707 State Rd., Parma, OH 44134.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Akron Beacon Journal on Nov. 17, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for David Silva

Sponsored by John and Cathy Breen.

21 Entries

Johannes HILLER

November 25, 2017

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Larry Vielhaber

March 13, 2011

I am visiting London, England, where there are many documentaries about World War II on TV. I just watched "Massacre at Omaha", a story about a young 19-year old kid from Cleveland who in later life met with his would be killer, a fellow German soldier named Hein Severloh. Both had been on Omaha Beach on D-Day. The compassion and empathy displayed by Father Silva toward his fellow brother in Christ was tremendously inspirational, and I will never forget it. May you rest in peace Father.

December 27, 2010

Father Silva served with my father, Marvin L. Mabes, during World War II. He landed with him on Omaha Beach on D-Day. I met Fr. Silva on two occasions, in 1998 and 2000 at the 29th Infantry Division, 116th Regiment, D-Company Reunions, and I will always remember his kind, calm demeanor. He spoke eloquently, with a joy for life. He was certainly of the Greatest Generation.

Rose & Ken Breen

November 25, 2010

Our family became acquainted with Fr. David Silva at St. Richard Church. He was instrumental to encourage our son, now Fr. Ken Breen, to attend Borromeo Seminary High School. Fr. Ken was in the last graduating class at Borromeo H. S. in 1976.
Fr. Silva invited our family a few times to visit his cottage on Johnson Island where he taught some of our 9 children to water ski. He attended many of our family celebrations and became an endearing, most enjoyable friend. For many years he visited us on Feast of Holy Family Sunday after Christmas.
He gave us many precious, fond memories. He was a gentile, kind, loving man.
We will miss Fr. Silva but we know he is enjoying his heavenly reward for his "job well done, good and faithful servant". Love & Prayers

Regina Holb-Loso

November 23, 2010

Father Silva was a part of my life growing up and attending St. Matts. I look at his picture in the Father Silva Center and show my kids, always remembered as a very nice, giving priest.

Maureen Gursky

November 23, 2010

I met Fr. Silva as a teenager when he was at St. Richard's Church in North Olmsted. He married me and baptized both my children. We have stayed in touch all these years with a visit by him to North Carolina years ago. He was an inspiration to me and my family and will be missed. Knowing he is at peace with God and watching out for all of us in his calming manner is a comfort. Be at peace, we love you!
Maureen Gursky & family

Maureen Gursky

November 23, 2010

I knew Fr. Silva as a teenager when he was at St. Richard's in North Olmsted. He married me and baptized both my children. He was a dear friend and we stayed in touch all thru these years. I am saddened by his loss but at peace knowing he is with our Lord. God Bless you Fr. Silva. I will miss you. Maureen Gursky & Family

Christophe ENGEL

November 20, 2010

Dear Family of Fr Silva,

My name is Christophe ENGEL, living in Alsace, France. My grandfather was Fr. James J Reymann (St Pat's parish, Wellington, Ohio) 's cousin. Cousin Dick Reymann informed me about your loss.
I met Fr Silva 3 times : the first time here in France in 2002, the second in Akron and Strasburg, Ohio in 2004 and the last time in 2008 in Wellington. I always enjoyed our conversations. He was a great inspiration in my life and my family's life. Fr Silva will always be remembered and especially we here in France will keep our liberators in memory. May God bless Fr Silva and his family.

Jim & Bonnie Kenny

November 19, 2010

Father Silva's stories and homilies were always joyful, jovial and showed him to be a humble man. We thank him for his service to his country, his service to our Lord, and his "gentle" presence when at St. John Bosco Church. We will miss you, but know that you are with our Lord. Jim & Bonnie Kenny

John Breen

November 18, 2010

Fr. Silva was an inspiration in my life as a young man. His sense of quick wit and passion for the Lord were inspirational. Our family was close to him, yet I personally felt a special bond to him. His humor fed my humor and many times we would be laughing for hours on end. He taught me to water ski behind his little boat and outboard motor off Johnson Island in Lake Erie. His summer cabin on the island had an ample supply of candy WHOPPERS, which were irresistable to any young child. Whenever I eat that candy, I am always reminded of those childhood days.

Later in life I learned of his role in World War II where he was pinned down on the beaches of Normandy, facing almost certain death. He shared with me that it was at that moment, amongst all the bloodshed, that he asked the Lord to spare him, so he could go to become a priest. And so he did....

I will always remember Fr. David and carry within me the laughter and the joy that he imparted on my life. And will carry with me forward, a view that he is now in heaven, smiling and making the angels laugh, as he did me.

I will miss you Fr. Silva...

Sincerely,

John Breen
with love and support from my wife Cathy and children Jay and Amanda.

Fr. Ken Breen, O. de M.

November 18, 2010

Fr. Dave was a great inspiration in my life and I can truly say his presence, deep faith and gleaming joy lead me in a profound way on the path to the priesthood and the life of joy-filled service in our Lord’s vineyard. Fr. Dave, you’ll always be deeply missed and we remember you dearly always. Rejoice with all the Angels and Saints!
In Christ and Our Lady of Mercy,

Eric Payne

November 17, 2010

Fr. Dave was a very close family friend to my parents, and every encounter I had with him was so special. As a deployed Navy Chief, I want to say thank you to Fr. Dave for not only his service during the war, but for the chance of being able to know this incredible man and being able to share his life experiences. My thoughts and prayers to his family and dear friends that I know he touched the lives of.

Steve Fatula

November 17, 2010

I did not know Fr. Silva very long. I met him at the annual D-Day reunion in Virginia, maybe 7 times. He was such a relaxed, confident man. He brought a calming spirit to me, and I enjoyed our conversations. He was quite funny. He served in the war with my father. I will miss him. My condolences to the family.

Mary Kay Molzan

November 17, 2010

To the Family of Fr. Silva,

Whenever I think of Fr. Silva, I smile. He was a kind, gentle man who was a very humble man of God. Thoughts of him have been in my heart these last few weeks. God Bless You, Fr. Silva and may you Rest In Peace.

Marie Longstreth-Langford

November 17, 2010

Fr. Silva was a wonderful, helpful, cheerful priest and I enjoyed many years at St. Matthew's with his friendship.

Floyd & Dorothy Keathley

November 17, 2010

To the entire Silva family,
As a member of St. Matthews Parish, we think of Fr. Silva often. Our parishioners thought so much of him, we named our gym the Fr. Silva Center, so he will never be forgotten at St. Matthew's. We loved him. God Bless the family that was so fortunate to be a large part of his life. He was special.

Colleen Day

November 16, 2010

Holy Name High School is so proud to have had Father David Silva as an Alumnus Class of 1943. Fr. Silva served our Country and stormed the beach at Normandy on June 6, 1944 at 19 years old. Holy Name is also proud of his commitment and career as a wonderful Priest to our community. We will miss him and pray for his family during this time. He was a blessing to our school and to our world. Sincerely, Colleen Corrigan Day, Director of Institutional Advancement Holy Name High School

Ken Babinec

November 16, 2010

Father Silva was a good friend and will surely be missed. I got to know Father about 40 years ago at St. Richard's in North Olmsted and he has remained a friend in my heart ever since. Thanks for teaching me how to water ski out at Johnson's Island, Father. I'm sure "Spot", the big black dog out there will miss you, too. And (Mike S. and Joe K. will remember....) better check those air brakes! My prayers are with you. God Bless you, for he has blessed me with the privilege of knowing you..... Ken Babinec

November 16, 2010

Fr. Silva, thank you for being a fine example of priestly life for me, for celebrating Mass with me on my Cleveland visits, for being the humble man of God that you are. I will offer the Mass here in Minnesota for the repose of your soul.
Donec alius alium videamus.
Father Tom Margevicius
Saint Paul, Minnesota

Mark Breen

November 16, 2010

To the Family of Fr. Silva:

The entire Breen Family extends our condolensces and prayers to your family during this difficult time. Fr. Silva was a great & loyal friend to our family and we will miss him very much. His humor and quick wit really made him unique in so many ways. We will never forget the annual trip to his cottage on Johnson Island...he taught all 9 of us how to water ski! He was patient and compassionate and went out of his way to know each one of us in the family. I can remember how in each visit he would try to remember our names one by one...almost getting them all correct! He is a hero in many ways having survived D-Day and I will cherish those stories he told about his experience. My parents loved to visit with Fr. Silva every year at their house on the feast of Holy Family and enjoy his company (and Dover wine!) and share in the leftovers from the holidays. It was tradition to see Fr. Silva on a regular basis and that is probably the best way I can describe him...he was a "tradition" and you could always count on him being there for us.

Enjoy eternal life Fr. Silva...and cheers to you and all you did in support of our family!

Mark & Lisa Breen

Dave and Mary Fortman

November 16, 2010

God Bless you uncle Dave.

love
Dave and Mary

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