Joaquim “Jack” Silva, 78, formerly of Wallingford, more recently of Still Pond, Maryland, passed away on December 4th, 2019 at University of Maryland Medical Center. He was born in South Philadelphia to the late Manuel and Irene Silva. Throughout his life he had been an artist, modeler, craftsman and general tinkerer of all things. Jack worked in his earlier life as a Truck Mechanic, later he found his career calling in the Maritime Industry, both as a Merchant Mariner himself as well as a business owner. In 1976 he was involved with the sailing of the Tall Ship “Gazela Primeiro” from Bermuda to Rhode Island and ultimately into Philadelphia as part of Op Sail ‘76. He went on two more Tall Ship Events. Jack belonged to the Heritage Ship Guild of Philadelphia. He was also a member of the Rock Hall Yacht Club, Wissinoming Yacht Club, where he served as harbor master, and the West End Boat Club. He was a long-time member of St. John Chrysostom Church in Wallingford.
Jack served his country honorably as a member of the US Air Force with whom he served as an instructor at Chanute Air Force Base in Illinois. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Arlene Silva; Children: Maria, Eric, Katrina, Matthew (Maya), Nicholas (Andrea), and Peter; grandchildren, Kyle, Evan, Kaitlyn, Abby, Amelia, Jadzia, and Ian; great-grandson, Gabriel. He’s also survived by his brother, Joseph Silva (Pam) and many cousins, nieces and nephews.
His Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, December 11th at 11am at St. John Chrysostom Church (617 S. Providence Rd. Wallingford, Pa). Friends and family are invited to come in church from 9:30-10:45. Burial will follow in SS Peter & Paul Cemetery.
The family asks that in lieu of flowers or gifts, any donations be made in his name to the Seamen’s Church (https://seamenschurch.org/ways), or The Kent County Waterman’s Association (Contributions go to college funding. Make checks payable to “Kent County Waterman’s Association” 6645 Rock Hall Rd, Rock Hall MD 21661), or a worthy charity of your choosing. Thank you.
Jack served his country honorably as a member of the US Air Force with whom he served as an instructor at Chanute Air Force Base in Illinois. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Arlene Silva; Children: Maria, Eric, Katrina, Matthew (Maya), Nicholas (Andrea), and Peter; grandchildren, Kyle, Evan, Kaitlyn, Abby, Amelia, Jadzia, and Ian; great-grandson, Gabriel. He’s also survived by his brother, Joseph Silva (Pam) and many cousins, nieces and nephews.
His Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, December 11th at 11am at St. John Chrysostom Church (617 S. Providence Rd. Wallingford, Pa). Friends and family are invited to come in church from 9:30-10:45. Burial will follow in SS Peter & Paul Cemetery.
The family asks that in lieu of flowers or gifts, any donations be made in his name to the Seamen’s Church (https://seamenschurch.org/ways), or The Kent County Waterman’s Association (Contributions go to college funding. Make checks payable to “Kent County Waterman’s Association” 6645 Rock Hall Rd, Rock Hall MD 21661), or a worthy charity of your choosing. Thank you.