Obituary of Richard A. Silva

Richard A. Silva BEVERLY—Richard A. Silva, 77, beloved husband of Jane (Carbone) Silva of Beverly, died peacefully on Wednesday morning at the Kaplan Family Hospice House in Danvers while in the comforting presence of his family. Born in Peabody, he was the son of the late Manuel and Janet (Mallard) Silva. He grew up in Peabody where he attended schools, then graduated from Essex Aggie in Danvers, where he studied horticulture. He enlisted in the Marine Corps Reserves, and worked for Smith’s Flower Shop in Marbelehead. He later was a Route Delivery Truck Driver with Hoods Milk, opened his own flower shop Flowers by Richard in Danvers, and was a Car Salesman at Medeiros Chrysler-Plymouth in Peabody. Richard was a longtime member at South Congregational Church in Peabody, and served on several committees there including the Men’s Group, and was awarded a Cal Ripken Award for attending all the church’s softball games. He enjoyed politics, and was recently appointed to the City of Beverly Commission for those with Disabilities. He also enjoyed computers and using his laptop, and was an avid fan of the Patriots. He is survived by his wife Jane (Carbone) Silva of Beverly, with whom he shared 17 years of marriage; his sons Clifford Silva of Enfield, CT, Douglas Silva of Pittsburgh, PA, and Darren Silva of Warren, RI; a daughter, Virginia Goldsmith of Peabody; a step-son Christopher Couceiro of Seattle, WA; two step-daughters, Michele Freeman of Peabody and Samantha McLaughlin of Beverly; an adopted daughter Hollie Goldsmith of Beverly; a brother, Robert Silva of FL; two sisters, Gail McSwiggan of Mattapoisette and Virginia Battles of Las Vegas, NV; 22 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, 8 step-grandchildren and 2 step-great-grandchildren; a Goddaughter Debbi Rix-Logan of Haverhill, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his first wife Rita E. (Morneau) Silva. Relatives and friends are kindly invited to his Funeral Service on Saturday December 8, 2012 at 10 AM in South Congregational Church, Peabody. Cremation will follow the Service. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made to the South Congregational Church, 60 Prospect St., Peabody, MA 01960.