Joseph S. Silvera

SILVERA, Joseph S.
World War II Veteran
Joseph S. Silvera, 88, of Rocklin, California went to be with our Lord on December 4, 2008. Born to Bertram and Rose Silvera on June 12, 1920 in New York City, where he was reared and educated. Joseph graduated from Sewanhaka High School in Floral Park, New York in 1938 and attended Cornell University as a Science Major. In 1940 Joseph began working at Grummon Engineering Corporation, in Bethpage, New York, as an aircraft sheet metal worker, operating from blueprints assembling aircraft and installing hydraulic systems. In 1943 Joseph joined the United States Army serving as a pilot in the Air Corps 1328th Army Air Transport Command. As a First Lieutenant, Joseph piloted the Curtis Wright C46 Commando. Joseph actively served in the India-China Division and participated in the China Defensive, Central Burma, and China Offensive Campaigns. The C46 Commando that Joseph piloted was a workhorse in flying "The Hump" (over the Himalaya Mountains) transporting desperately needed troops and supplies from bases in India and Burma to the fighting fronts in China. Joseph logged over 1000 flight hours including 600 combat hours and was awarded the Air Medal with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster, American Campaign Medal, Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, and World War II Victory Medal. Joseph retired from the United States Air Force Reserve with the rank of Major. Joseph also worked for many years in the aircraft industry for McDonnell Douglas and retired from Sacramento County. Joseph was a faithful husband and father and his generosity and kindness was far reaching. Joseph served in many different capacities at church including treasurer and he especially loved to participate in the Bell Choir ensemble at Christ Community Church in Carmichael. After retiring Joseph and his beloved wife moved to Hercules, California where he greatly helped many people through volunteering at Trinity United Reformed Church of Walnut Creek, Loaves and Fishes, and teaching English reading and writing skills. Beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather, and Great-grandfather, Joseph is survived by his wife of 46 years, Catharina, his daughter Pamela, his son Mark, his grandchildren Bethany, Benjamin Jason, and Matthew, and two great-grandchildren. Joseph's life will be celebrated at Rolling Hills Memorial Park in Richmond with full military honors at 10 am, December 22, 2008.