Leo Manuel Silva

Leo Manuel Silva age 76, passed away peacefully surrounded by loving family and friends on Friday, July 29, 2022, in Providence, Rhode Island.  Born on Graciosa Island, the “white sand island” and northern most Island in the Azores of Portugal.  He was the son of the late Luzia (Lucy) Athaide DeSilva (dob July 19th, 1919) and Manuel DeSilva (dob March 5th, 1917).

Leo was a proud United States Army Sargent, trained in air artillery, in Fort Bliss Texas and served in the Vietnam War 1967-1969 for the United States Army 1st battalion, 83rd Field Artillery.  

Self-employed for most of his life, Leo brought together all the trades and skills of his forefathers in Portugal and exceeded in each trade he practiced from carpentry building houses in Coventry, giant tuna fishing the waters of Block Island and Cape Cod on his boat “Striker” to gardening every patch of the earth he could touch.  Leo was a lover of nature, the ocean, and all animals.  His Florida home, he lovingly called “Paradise” flourished with the fruits of his labor including citrus trees, and a myriad of fruits, vegetables, and flowers.  His love of birds brought him into the business of raising and releasing (pure white homing pigeons) white doves for weddings and funerals.   He took special pride in participating and donating these releases to fallen military soldiers and veterans all over South Florida, where he resided for the past 20 years, only recently returning to Rhode Island to spend his final time with two of his children, their children and his only surviving brother. 

Leo had great determination throughout his life, was a selfless “give the shirt off his back” kind of man and had a heart of gold until his very last days.  He lived out his life with passion and just the way he wanted.

He is survived by his three children son; John Silva of Port Saint Lucie, Florida and his wife Karen Silva, daughter; Denise Navoian of Wakefield, Rhode Island and her husband Mike Navoian and son; Mark Silva of Barrington, Rhode Island and his wife Anna Hsiao Silva and his ex-wife Ellen Alden of Wakefield, Rhode Island, his only living brother Robert DeSilva of Johnston, Rhode Island and his nieces Tracy Feliciano and Dawn DeSilva. Nephews Keith Silva, Michael Silva, Jeffery, James, Jay and Justin DeSilva and Jason Cancelliere as well as his brother-in-law Robin Cancelliere. 

Leo adored and was loved dearly by his six grandchildren: Ethan Silva, Zachary, Jenna & Kadie Navoian and Kira and Emma Silva. 

He was predeceased by his brothers Henry Silva, Manuel DeSilva and his sister Alice Cancelliere .    

 His funeral will be held Thursday August 4, 2022, at 8:30 am from the REBELLO FUNERAL HOME, 901 Broadway, East Providence, R.I., to be  Followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 am at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, 81 North Carpenter Street, East Providence 02914. Burial will immediately follow at Rhode Island Memorial Cemetery, 301 South County Trail, Exeter, RI 02822.

Calling Hours will be held Wednesday from 4:00-7:00 pm in the Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) charity.

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