Norman Alvin Silva Sr, 88, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on January 21, 2023 at Kent County Memorial Hospital.
Norman was the husband of Janice D. Silva (Cote), for 64 years. Father to Laura Kowal (Richard), Norman Jr. (Patricia) and Denise McGuirk (David). A devoted grandfather, Norm was affectionately referred to as “Tata” by Jessica, Shelby (Mark), Jack, Matthew, and Joshua. He was brother to Donald, brother-in-law to Patricia, uncle to two nieces and three nephews, and great-uncle to many. He was predeceased by his older brother Frederick. He was the son of the late Frederick and Edna (Boyd) Silva. Norm was a beloved cousin of Barbara (Vincent) Pyle and her late husband Norman, and Paul and Cathy Vincent.
Norman grew up in Cranston, joining the U.S. Navy in 1952 following his graduation from Cranston High School. He served as a Senior Chief Petty Officer/Aerographer’s Mate (Meteorologist) traveling around the world during his 25-year career, serving aboard The USS Breckinridge (AP-176) and the USS Shangri-La (CVS-38) and stationed at several Naval Bases, accompanied by his family. Two of his favorites were Alaska and Spain. Upon his retirement in 1975, Norman and his family returned to Cranston, where he attained a bachelor’s degree from Johnson & Wales before beginning a second career with the U.S. Postal Service as a Mail Carrier. His retirement from the Post Office gave him many years to spend time with his family. Tata attended countless softball, soccer, baseball, and hockey games and numerous graduations over the years.
He was an avid reader (often saying “once you start, you can’t stop”) and he continued to read until his final days, particularly historical non-fiction. He loved fishing, spending many summer days on his boat and was a life-long NY Yankees fan. He also enjoyed playing pinochle. Norman had wonderful memories, often telling stories of his childhood, and sharing his incredible knowledge about US and World history.
The family would like to thank Dr. Purva Sharma, Dr. Elias Jabbour, along with the nurses and CNAs of KCMH and the Visiting Nurses of Care New England – all of whom worked with compassion and consideration for Norman’s treatment over the last year. We are eternally grateful for their dedication.
Visitation on Tuesday January 24, 2023 from 4:00-7:00pm in The Butterfield Chapel 500 Pontiac Avenue Cranston.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Cranston Animal Shelter 920 Phenix Avenue Cranston, RI 02921 where Norman and Janice adopted their adored Maisie.
A Funeral Service will be celebrated on Wednesday at 11:00am in St. David's On The Hill Episcopal Church 200 Meshanticut Valley Parkway Cranston.
Burial with Military Honors will follow in the Rhode Island Veterans Cemetery Exeter.
