Armelim Faustino Silveira, age 79, of Hilmar, California, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 25, 2025, at home with his family by his side. Armelim was born on February 12, 1945, in Ribeira Seca, São Jorge, Azores, to Mariana Emilia and José Faustino da Silveira. He proudly served in the Portuguese Military from 1967 to 1969, participating in the Portuguese Colonial War in Angola. On June 4th, 1970, he married the love of his life Leonor, in Ribeira Seca and later that year they immigrated to California to build a new life together.
Armelim dedicated his life to hard work, spending his entire career as a milker and making a significant contribution to his community. He had a passion for music, playing the trumpet for many years, both in the Azores and in the United States. He was a member of Filarmónica Lira Açoriana de Livingston, where he not only played the trumpet for many years but also dedicated his time serving on the board, sharing his musical passion and ensuring the band’s legacy was passed on to younger generations, including his grandchildren.
Proud of his Portuguese heritage, Armelim cherished the traditions of his culture, offering his time and talents to support many local festas, and finding joy in attending bullfights. A man of strong faith, Armelim’s belief in God and daily prayer shaped his life and provided him with strength and guidance through all of life’s challenges. His faith was and is a source of comfort and inspiration to his family. Outside of his work and faith, he was a man of many talents, finding fulfillment in simple pleasures like fishing, building projects, and playing cards. Armelim also took great pride in crafting his own moonshine and wine, always eager to share his creations with family and friends. His generosity, skill, and love for life touched everyone around him, leaving behind a legacy that will never be forgotten.
Armelim is survived by his wife of 55 years, Leonor Silveira of Hilmar; his children, José Emanuel Silveira (Rosemary) of Stevinson, Daniel Armelim Silveira (Shawna) of Hilmar, and Kathleen Marie Xavier (Paul) of Livingston; his sisters, Maria Leontina Silveira, Regina Maria Silveira Oliveira, and Carmela Belo, all of São Jorge, Azores; Lucilia Anacleto of Petaluma; and Laurencia Polonia of Canada; his grandchildren, Ryan Silveira (Catherine), Joshua Silveira, Rikki Silveira, Mikinzi Silveira, Gianna Silveira, Lucas Xavier, and Ava Xavier.
Armelim was preceded in death by his son, Ricky Januário Silveira; his father, José Faustino da Silveira; his mother, Mariana Emilia Silveira; his brothers, José Silveira and João Faustino Silveira.
He was a member of Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Hilmar, Nossa Senhora de Fátima in Turlock, Our Lady of Miracles in Gustine, Luso American, and Casa dos Açores in Hilmar.
A visitation for Armelim will be held Wednesday, February 5, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 20263 American Avenue, Hilmar, California 95324. A recitation of the rosary will occur Wednesday, February 5, 2025, at 7:00 PM. A funeral mass will take place Thursday, February 6, 2025, at 10:00 AM, Holy Rosary Catholic Church. A committal service will follow at North Hilmar Cemetery, 8710 Tegner Rd, Hilmar, CA 95324.
Serving as pallbearers are Joe Silveira, Danny Silveira, Paul Xavier, Ryan Silveira, Joshua Silveira, Lucas Xavier, Joe Fontes, Anthony Azevedo, and John "Digger" Silveira.
Armelim Faustino Silveira, de 79 anos, de Hilmar, Califórnia, faleceu pacificamente na sua residência no sábado, 25 de janeiro de 2025. Ele viveu os últimos 51 anos em Hilmar.
O Sr. Silveira nasceu em Ribeira Seca, São Jorge, Açores, filho de Mariana Emilia e José Faustino da Silveira.
O Sr. Silveira deixa de luto a sua esposa com quem foi casado 55 anos, Leonor Silveira, de Hilmar; os seus filhos, José Emanuel Silveira, casado com Rosemary, de Stevinson; Daniel Armelim Silveira, casado com Shawna, de Hilmar; e Kathleen Marie Xavier, casada com Paul, de Livingston; as suas irmãs, Maria Leontina Silveira, Regina Maria Silveira Oliveira e Carmela Belo, todas de São Jorge, Açores; Lucilia Anacleto, de Petaluma; e Laurencia Polonia, do Canadá; seus netos, Ryan Silveira casado com Catherine, Joshua Silveira, Rikki Silveira, Mikinzi Silveira, Gianna Silveira, Lucas Xavier e Ava Xavier.
O Sr. Silveira foi precedido na morte pelo seu filho, Ricky Januário Silveira; seu pai, José Faustino da Silveira; sua mãe, Mariana Emilia Silveira; e seus irmãos, José Silveira e João Faustino Silveira.
Ele era membro da Igreja Católica do Santo Rosário de Hilmar, Sociedade Nossa Senhora de Fátima de Turlock, Nossa Senhora dos Milagres de Gustine, Luso American e Casa dos Açores de Hilmar.
O seu velorio será realizado na quarta-feira, 5 de fevereiro de 2025, das 6 às 7 horas da noite, na Igreja Católica do Santo Rosário, localizada em 20263 American Avenue, Hilmar, Califórnia 95324.
A Recitação do Terço ocorrerá na quarta-feira, 5 de fevereiro de 2025, às 7 horas da noite, no mesmo local.
A missa de corpo presente será na quinta-feira, 6 de fevereiro de 2025, às 10 horas da manha, na Igreja Católica de Santo Rosário, localizada em 20263 American Avenue, Hilmar, Califórnia 95324, seguindo-se o serviço de sepultamento no Cemitério Norte de Hilmar, 8710 Tegner Rd, Hilmar, CA 95324.
