Mark Larry Silva

1957 - 2024

Mark Larry Silva
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.