Silva, Joseph F. 67, of Needham (formerly of North Cambridge, MA) died on June 9th at the Bedford Veterans Hospital's hospice unit. Joe leaves his beloved wife Phyllis M. (Compagnone) with whom he shared 43 years of marriage. He was the devoted father to Alessandra Silva Harton and her husband Joseph of Bedford, MA, and Michael J. Silva of Needham and Los Angeles. Joe was the proud grandfather of Mia L. and newborn Craig Joseph Harton. Joe was the son of Mrs. Claire Silva of Needham and the late John T. Silva. He also leaves his devoted sister Claire Mello of Hyde Park, and several nieces and nephews.
Joe was a former Newton firefighter who retired after 30 years of service. He was also the longest part-time employee of Roche Brothers market. Additionally, Joe was a Vietnam Veteran, who served in the U.S. Army Signal Corp with pride.
Joe was a remarkable man, an avid sportsman whose interests ranged from fly fishing, to nature photography, to skiing, to hiking, to travel afar. Joe was the sort of person strangers would remember. He was a fearless conversationalist navigating politics, World Cup soccer, environmental issues, and the subtleties of a fine Irish Whiskey. He treasured outings with his Boys from Cambridge and the life-long brotherhood of memory they shared. He kept active always and was unopposed to hanging up the phone if one called during his exercise routine! Ever loyal, Joe had a legion of devoted friends -- men and women -- whom he cultivated over his lifetime, and supported in the good times and bad. Though he could be a solitary person fishing on Moose Pond or exploring inlets and coves of the Maine coast, he came to life among his family and friends.
He also came to life in the fine care of Phyllis who tended, cajoled, endured, encouraged, and rallied him throughout their life together. Especially in the end, her devotion and immense strength and wisdom shone brightly and certainly extended and enhanced the quality of Joe's "life well lived." His children and grandchildren completed that life.
Joe was a graduate of Mass Bay Community College, Cambridge Rindge and Latin School ('65), served as a youth soccer coach and booster in Needham, was a member of the Lakes Environmental Association and Sierra Club.
Funeral from the George F. Doherty & Sons Funeral Home, 1305 Highland Ave., NEEDHAM, Saturday at 9 a.m. Funeral Mass in St. Joseph's Chruch, Needham, at 10 a.m. Relatives and friends kindly invited. Visiting hours Friday 4-8 p.m. Interment Needham Cemetery. Expressions of sympathy may be made in Joseph's memory to the Bedford VA Hospital, c/o Hospice Unit, 200 Springs Rd., Bedford, MA 01730.