Charles W. ‘Chuck’ Silva, longtime Provincetown resident died Friday December 14th at Cape Cod Hospital in Hyannis after a short illness. He was the husband of Helen ‘Penny’ Silva.
Born February 21, 1938 in Newton and raised in Quincy, he was the son of the late Theodore R. and Rosemary (Scott) Silva. Early on, he was always a ‘summer kid’ in Provincetown and North Truro.
A 1959 graduate of Boston College, he then graduated from Suffolk University Law School three years later. He paid for law school by teaching at Newman Preparatory School in Boston. He said that this was one of the happiest and most rewarding times of his career and continued teaching there for 10 years. During that time, he also established the Young Democrats Club in Quincy.
As a teenager, he worked at the First National Store in Provincetown. He then became a lifeguard and manager at ‘state’ or ‘new beach’ which led to 51 years as the concessionaire at the National Park Service’s Herring Cove Beach, ending in 2012. He also tended bar for Lenny Enos Sr. at the Old Colony in Provincetown. He considered Lennie one of his greatest teachers and invaluable help, getting started in Provincetown.
He impacted Provincetown over the years by developing Weathering Heights Steakhouse in 1971 and other retail and commercial business properties, especially along Shankpainter Road. He served the town as a member of the Provincetown Conservation Commission for 11 years, three as chairman. He also served many years as a trustee of the Cape Cod Pilgrim Memorial Association, including as President, overseeing a complete restoration of the monument itself, and its’ 100th anniversary re-dedication in August of 2010. He also volunteered as a member of the IRS Taxpayer Advisory Panel, which is a national group of 75 citizen volunteers who listen to taxpayers, identify taxpayers’ issues, and make suggestions for improving IRS service. He also was a 40-year member of the Provincetown Lions Club.
He leaves his wife of 48 years, Penny, his two adored sons Chuck Silva of Provincetown and Scott Silva of Orleans, and a brother Theodore Silva and wife Helen of Minnesota. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was a man of integrity and directness, and that will be missed.
Relatives and friends are invited to a Funeral Mass which will be celebrated at 10:00 am, Tuesday, January 8th at Saint Peter the Apostle Church, Prince Street, Provincetown. Burial will follow in St. Peter’s Cemetery.
If desired, memorial contributions in Mr. Silva’s name may be made to the Provincetown Rescue Squad, PO Box 109, Provincetown, MA 02657 or the Provincetown Fireman’s Association, 25 Shankpainter Rd., Provincetown, MA 02657.