David Vincent Silva, 64, of Centerville, MA died Monday, September 6, 2021 after several years of living life to its fullest while coping with cancer. With the help of his excellent and caring medical team at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (most notably Dr. Andrea Bullock and Dr. Michael Curry), his primary care physician Dr. Henry P. Tufts, his extraordinary Visiting Nurse Association Hospice caregivers (most notably Diane Munsell, RN), and his loving family and friends, Dave overcame multiple health challenges and far surpassed anyone’s life expectancy guesses!
Dave was a fighter in all the best ways. Born in Fall River, MA to Antonio Pacheco Silva and Elizabeth Finglas Silva, he graduated from B.M.C. Durfee High School in 1974. After serving four years in the United States Air Force as an Aerospace Ground Equipment Mechanic, he worked at the Barnstable Municipal Airport while also earning his Associate’s Degree at Cape Cod Community College. Having seen a local doctor’s notice on a bulletin board for a “J24 Crew Member,” Dave’s competitive spirit landed him the “job” and the rest is history! Dave raced out of the Hyannis Yacht Club for several years before becoming an integral crewman on his brother-in-law’s Etchells, out of the New Bedford Yacht Club.
Sailing Wednesday nights throughout the season for years, and in numerous regattas across New England, Florida and Canada, Dave passed on his love for the ocean, boating, competition and sportsmanship to his children. Just ask his family and friends about the wild rides on “Scooter” to Monomoy and the unforgettable sails on “Beacon” on the Sakonnet River and Mount Hope Bay at the family cottage in Portsmouth, RI!
Having transitioned from the airline industry in 1985, Dave began his 30+ year career in the United States Postal Service, working mostly out of the Brewster, MA office. There, he was a valued, dependable employee while also serving as the president of the Hyannis Area Local branch of the American Postal Workers Union. He was a passionate and strong advocate for worker’s rights.
There aren’t sufficient words to describe how much Dave loved and prioritized his family. He was truly selfless - always stepping in to be the baseball coach, the hockey coach, the impetus behind karate, ski trips, sailing lessons and summer vacations at Grindell’s Ocean View Trailer Park in Dennisport, MA.
Married to his childhood sweetheart for over 41 years, Dave is survived by his wife, Pamela Knight Silva, his three children: Deacon J. Silva and his wife Sarah of Marshfield, MA; Daniel E. Silva and his wife Mallory of Kingston, MA; and Elizabeth M. Silva of Centerville, MA. He was the proud, loving and adoring “Cappy” to three grandchildren: Owen David Silva, Emma Katherine Silva and Nathan Joseph Silva. David is predeceased by his parents and older brother Edward A. Silva. He is survived by his sister Karen E. Figuenick of Altamonte Springs, FL and his “best bro” Vincent E. Silva and his wife Kimberly of Marstons Mills, MA. In addition, Dave leaves many beloved nieces, nephews and extended family members. He will be dearly missed and always loved.
Visiting Hours will take place on Monday, September 13, 2021 from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. at Doane, Beal & Ames Funeral Home,160 West Main Street, Hyannis, MA 02601. A funeral mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 14, 2021 at Our Lady of Victory Parish, 230 South Main Street, Centerville, MA 02632. A Graveside Service with Military Honors will be held at 1:15 p.m. at the Massachusetts National Cemetery on Connery Avenue in Bourne, MA.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations please be made in Dave’s memory to the VNA of Cape Cod Hospice and Palliative Care at: https://support.givetocapecodhealth.org
