Richard S. Silva

1928 - 2025

Richard S. Silva
10/14/1928 - 07/17/2025
Richard "Dick" Silva was born in Fort Bragg, CA to Arthur Louis Silva and Mary Ann Bennewitz Silva. He grew up in San Francisco, CA, attending and graduating from St. James Grammar School (class of '42) and Lowell High School (class of '46.) He was a star baseball player on the Lowell team, earning his Block L, inspiring him to seek a professional baseball career. Eventually he was discovered by a scouting team, and later signed with the Philadelphia Phillies. He was assigned to their Minor League farm team, the Klamath Fall Gems, in Oregon. Unfortunately, very early in his career, a shoulder injury derailed his dream of a future in baseball.
In 1950 Richard married Ruth Geraldine "Jeri" Ash, but their time together was temporarily short-lived when he was drafted into the Army soon after the Korean War began, only six months after their marriage.
Richard served in the 1st Cavalry Division, 7th Cavalry Regiment as a rifleman. During his active service he was wounded and awarded the Purple Heart, after which he was later transferred to the Presidio of San Francisco to complete his term of military service. Later taking advantage of the G.I. Bill, he enrolled in San Francisco State College (later University,) where he eventually earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology.
Richard joined the San Francisco Police Department in 1953, starting in the Accident Bureau. He served the department honorably for 15 years, earning a commendation that was published in the San Francisco Examiner. In 1968 he transferred to the San Francisco County Adult Probation Department, eventually becoming a senior probation officer. He retired around 1991, with plans to travel and pursue his hobby of photography.
Though he could not follow through with a baseball career, in the 1960s Richard enjoyed being a manager and assistant manager to San Mateo Little League teams. He also now had the time to indulge fully in his photography, for many years belonging to the Peninsula Camera Club, Northern California Council of Camera Clubs and Peninsula Colorslide Club, winning numerous awards. Richard is preceded in death by his wife Jeri, and son Richard Edward Silva. He is survived by his daughter, Sandra Fisher of San Mateo.
Richard Silva was a kind, intelligent, generous man with a great sense of humor. He will be missed by all who knew him.
Service and interment will be held on July 24, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Skylawn Memorial Park in San Mateo County.