Joseph R. Silva passed away peacefully on the morning of March 18, 2017 at 80 years of age. He was surrounded by his loving wife, children, and grandchildren.

Joe was born to Dora Bowles and Jose Silva on December 6, 1936 in Eagle Pass, Texas. He moved to Santa Clara County in 1940. Growing up, Joe would spend his summers in Aromas working with his cousins in the apricot and prune orchards. He graduated from Fremont High in 1955 and went on to play football at San Jose Community College. On August 12, 1956 Joe married his high school sweetheart, Joan Elaine Maddox. They had four children together, Don, Jeff, Laura, and Linda. Joe loved sports and coached baseball, little league and Pop Warner football for over twenty years and was one of the founders of Oak Grove Youth Football. He helped build four little league fields in South San Jose, three of which are still being played on today. He was a tile setter by trade, spending the better part of sixty years in the business. Joe started Silva Tile which is still in operation today. He was a mentor to many, an inspiration to all who knew him, and had an impact on everyone he met.

A memorial mass will be held at St. Mary's Church in Gilroy on Friday, March 24 ^th at 4PM. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Knights of Columbus or St. Mary's Church.