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BORN
1957
DIED
2024
Mark Silva Obituary
August 28, 1957 - July 21, 2024
Mark was born on August 28, 1957 to Len and Helen Silva of Sonoma. He was born in Tucson, Arizona where his father was stationed in the Air Force.
He had a fierce independence that revealed itself early. As a young child, he started racing quarter midgets, something that became a family hobby, with his older brother Mike racing too. His passions always came back to cars. He spoke their language. At only 13 he bought his first car, a 1932 Ford truck, and refurbished it, creating a truck that he prized until the end.
He was always tinkering and extremely skilled, learning trades like welding and ironwork, becoming a union ironworker and an auto mechanic. He built go-carts and raced with his friends and let his nieces and nephews drive his go-karts. He was a member of the Devil's Darlings Car Club in Sonoma for over 30 years. He was able to take a trip to see the Indy 500 in 2007, he toured the track and museum three times over that short visit.
He had an active upbringing with sports (baseball, football, and wrestling). He provided a loving home to many cats over the years, including his last one, Rocket, who made for good pals.
He loved to laugh, and those who knew him knew his laugh was contagious. His jokes and sense of humor will be dearly missed.
Mark is survived by his three siblings, Mike (Marianne), Debbie, and Scott (Francine); seven nephews and nieces; six grand-nephew and nieces, as well as his uncle, Larry (Mary) Silva; his aunt, Winnie Lanning; thirteen cousins, and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents Len and Helen Silva.
A Celebration of Life for Mark will take place at a future date where we hope to combine his celebration with a car show. Please bring your stories of Mark. More information to follow.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Mark Silva
Kristel Ingemansson
August 28, 2024
Dear Mark, (Sparky) Happy Birthday! You were such a big part of my life. I love and miss you very much.
Love,
Kristel
P.S. Hankie woofs you a happy birthday, as well.
Millie McKibbin
August 3, 2024
Great memories of high school "Float Building" at the Silva house! Mark was a classmate and a good friend to many! Class of `75 about to celebrate our 50th High School Reunion next year! Mark will be missed!!!
Donna Allard Harden
August 3, 2024
Condolences to the family, Prayers, hugs for the family and friends. Rest well.
Tara Equels
August 3, 2024
Marky Mark , you said I was the only person allowed to call you that ! I am sorry I live so far away and was unable to be by your side. You were an amazing friend and I will always remember our all nights talks. You have helped me in so many ways not only favors but just by being you . I will forever treasure our memories. Helping me move from AZ, fixing my truck , Christmas with my family and all our laughs. I will forever miss our hour long conversations on the phone. You truly were an amazing friend and I hope you´re racing your heart out! Rest in Paradise . I will miss you . I love you my friend Love, Tara
Tara Equels
August 2, 2024
Marky Mark , he always said I was the only one who was allowed to call him that Lol. I miss you so very much . I treasure all the memories we made. Whether it be our all night conversations, moving me back to Ca, fixing my vehicles or spending Christmas Dinner at my family´s house, we always laughed and cried and it was our memories. We were family ! I wish that I didn´t live so far away that I could have been by your side. Just know that I am blessed to have had you as my friend and I will forever be grateful. I love you Mark . Rest in Paradise and In this race you´re always 1st Place !!!
Leona Marino
August 2, 2024
Rest Easy Mark. We'll always be family. Nothing has ever changed that.
Wayne Hardy
August 2, 2024
Sorry to hear about this ! I worked with Mark at SDC in the Plant Operations ( Engineering Dept) from 2016 to 2019. As Mark was, I'm also a SVHS Class of 1975. My condolences to family and all who knew Mark.
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