Joe Da Silva

May 16, 1949 ~ March 6, 2012

Pacific Grove ~ Joseph Da Silva, born May 16, 1949 in the Azores, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family in the early morning of March 6 at the age of 62. A loving soul, and already an extremely hardworking and highly skilled carpenter, he arrived in the United States in 1969.

Two years later, at a local community center party in Pacific Grove, he met his Soul Mate and eventually friend, partner and wife, Nellie. It’s funny how they found one another as she too was born in the Azores Islands. His oldest daughter, Stephanie, and youngest son, Phil, remember a friend of his who had been at that party. Reminiscing, he said that Joe, quite a lady’s man, left all the ladies behind as soon as he saw Nellie. No doubt about it -- it was love at first sight. She was the ONE for him and he for her. They enjoyed so much together, in particular, dancing…although he didn’t know how much passion he had for dancing until his wife finally dragged him out to the studio. There began a grand love affair with the joy of dancing and, in particular, the Waltz that he so greatly enjoyed.

To know Joe was to know his Heart. Love was never hidden with him; he loved everyone and showed it and in return everyone loved him. It just couldn’t be helped, his heart and sense of humor truly made him irresistible. Through all of his years, Joe gave so much of himself, whether it was through caring for his family or the genuine hard work he did for his clients, he always gave and did his absolute best. His wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchild were everything to him and he was everything to his wife…in her heart, and all of our hearts, he will remain.

Joe is survived by his beloved wife, Nellie Da Silva, and their children, grandchildren and a great-grandchild -- Stephanie Stilwell, Michelle Trombetta, Philip Da Silva, Miranda Lappas, Penelope and Charlotte Da Silva and Madison Burnside.

Funeral services will take place at St. Angela Merici Church this Friday, March 9 at 11:00 AM. Memorial contributions are suggested to Cancer Research, c/o American Cancer Society, 945 S. Main, Ste. 201, Salinas, 93901. Arrangements under the direction of The Paul Mortuary, Pacific Grove, CA.