Juan Silva

Juan T. Silva was a hard working man who devoted himself to his family and friends. Undergirding his life was a firm foundation of faith that shaped the way he treated others. He was courteous, caring, and fun. With strength and joy, Juan lived life fully and faithfully.

Juan was born at the beginning of a decade when America was emerging from the first World War and regaining industrial strength. Yet the economic depression that closed out the decade also shaped the character of its citizens. Couples, such as Florencio and Rafaela Mascorro Silva, wanted the best for their family and worked hard to provide for their children. The first of their eight children, Juan, was born on September 17, 1921 in Mercedes, Texas. With the values that were instilled in him at an early age, Juan learned to work hard, serve his country, care for his family, and live out his catholic faith.

When America was drawn into war in 1941, Juan responded to his country’s call to duty by enlisting in the Army. Before leaving for active duty, he married his young fiancé, Victoria Garcia, who awaited his return. When he was honorably discharged by a grateful nation, Juan went home…but not to Texas. His family had moved to Holland, Michigan, so Juan and Victoria picked-up their married life in a new home. He started working right away, and for most of his life, Juan held two jobs at a time. Among his employers throughout his career were: Weller Nursery and Holland Furnace just after the Army, then Western Foundry, part time with Essenburg Electrical, and full time with Park Davis until he retired in 1985. Even in retirement, Juan didn’t stop working. He took on a full time job at Dutch Village and worked there for many years. Juan was a wonderful provider for his children: Juan Jr., born in 1946; Maria, born in 1948; and stepdaughter, Dora Garcia Perez. He also provided for their spiritual wellbeing by living out his faith as a devoted member of St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church. Juan was always active in the church and seldom missed weekend Mass. More recently, he could be found at church on a daily basis. Juan’s life was grounded in faith.

In addition to faith, family was important to Juan. When his own father died at age 56, Juan and his brothers and sisters took close care of their mother. They gathered frequently in her home, which wasn’t hard to do. Most of the family lived right on Burke Avenue on the north side of Holland. It might better have been named Silva Avenue, since so many Silvas made their home there.

One activity that involved the whole Silva family was baseball. Along with his brothers, Juan played a lot of baseball on various teams in Holland. If he wasn’t playing the game, Juan was watching it. He tuned-in to most any team, just as long as it was baseball and he had a cold Miller in hand. But, of course, Juan’s favorite team was the Detroit Tigers. He didn’t even let his recent hospitalization interfere with watching the game.

Juan liked to have family and friends around, and he nurtured relationships with civility, humor, and loyalty. He always called ladies “sweetheart,” whether they were 4 or 84 years of age. He liked to joke with his co-workers and family. As a result, he was given the nickname “Honest John,” because of how he was always kidding around. Juan also joined the American Legion, which was his way of paying respect to fellow servicemen. Throughout his life, Juan was intent on making life good for those around him.

Juan was admitted to Holland Hospital on Monday, June 17th, because he was experiencing some pain. Doctors were treating him for a blood clot in his leg when he died unexpectedly on Saturday. For the family who rarely saw Juan sick, the suddenness of his death adds to the sorrow of missing a beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and great great-grandfather. They will cherish him in their hearts forever.

Juan T. Silva, age 85 of Holland, Michigan, died June 23, 2007 at Holland Hospital. He was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Victoria, in 1998, his daughter Maria C. Rosales in 2006, and all of his brothers and sisters. His family includes son Juan Jr. Silva of Holland, daughter Dora Garcia Perez, son-in-law Jerry Rosales of Holland, in-laws Josie Silva of Holland, Lupe Silva of Holland, Frances Silva of Arizona; 9 grandchildren, 17 great grand children, 8 great great grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Services will be 11 am Friday at St Francis de Sales Catholic Church. Burial will be in Pilgrim Home Cemetery. Visiting will be from 6-9 pm Thursday at St. Frances de Sales Catholic Church. Memorials may be made to St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to leave a memory of Juan, sign the online guest registry, or make a memorial contribution.