John Simaria Silva

John Simaria Silva died peacefully in his home on October 31, 2019. He was 92 years of age.

John was born to Joao and Jandira Simaria Silva on September 8, 1927, in New Bedford, Massachusetts. He is predeceased by his parents and the love of his life, his wife, Hilda Silva. John is survived by his cousins Tony and Teresa Goulart, Rian and Marc Goulart, and many cousins and Godchildren in Massachusetts and California.

John attended the local schools in New Bedford, Massachusetts. He graduated from New Bedford High School in 1945. John was active in sports, excelling in Baseball. He played on the Mount Carmel CYO Baseball team. A team that won 7 Championships in a row, from 1941 to 1947. He played and coached the team throughout the dynasty of those Championships. He was very proud of those championship seasons.

During the baseball season of 1944, John would meet the love of his life when a passed ball landed at the feet of a young girl. He ran for the ball, and she handed him the baseball and cupids arrow struck both of them. Ironically these students were bused in from the North end of New Bedford, and this Girl had to catch the Bus back. John did not get her name, but contact was lost with her for ten years. His barber at the time was Mr. Almeida. Little did John know that Mr. Almeida had a daughter named Hilda. Not a word was spoken about this Girl until one day, Mr. Almeida asked John if he had a girl. And John’s response was yet, but I do not know where she lives. In March 1954, Mr. Almeida asked John to bring some potatoes to his home, and upon bringing them, a Girl, the same one John had met ten years earlier, answered the door. They were married on November 27, 1954.

John worked for Gaspars Linguica Company in New Bedford, Massachusetts, as a Salesman and Driver. A very devoted worker and well-liked through the New England Area.

John, Hilda, Joao, and Jandira Moved to Newark, California, on October 17, 1967. John lived in the same house for 52 years. John worked at Stanford University for 17 years. They would often travel back to Massachusetts by car and drove across Country 14 times. John was very active in his Community. He was a member of the Portuguese band Recreio do Imigrante. Numerous Portuguese organizations, Radio programs. He also spoke on the Radio for several stations devoted to Portuguese listeners.

John made many friends throughout his years and was a very kind and Generous Man. John and Hilda were like two peas in a pod in and around Newark, Fremont Area. After Hilda’s death in 2009, John would carry Hilda’s picture wherever He went. Especially to restaurants where he would dine with Hilda’s photo always on the table with him. She was still by his side. Ironically, he died ten years after his wife, Hilda. John waited for Hilda 10 years before they were married, Hilda waited for John 10 years. They are now together one again in Paradise.

John will be deeply missed by many people.

Services will be as follows:
A vigil will be held at Berge-Pappas-Smith Chapel of the Angels on Thursday, November 7, at 6:30 PM. A funeral mass will be held Friday, November 8, at 10:30, AM at St. Edwards Catholic Church, 5788 Thornton Ave., Newark, Ca 94560. Following mass will be interment at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.