John Silva

Born in Apozol, Zacatecas Mexico to Cesario and Teresa Silva, John Silva came to the United States at the age of 6 months old. He was the oldest of 6 children raised in the heart of Houston. He attended Jeff Davis High School and in 1942, following the bombing of Pearl Harbor, he eagerly sought an opportunity to serve his country. He enlisted in the U.S. Army and was to serve for two years in Germany during WWII. Prior to serving in the military, John was a fan of Big Band music and became quite the talented dancer. He looked for opportunities to enjoy both of these throughout those two years and for many years to come. Once discharged from the Army, he returned home to his family to offer any support needed. The Silva family grew quite large over those early years and made every effort to honor their Christian upbringing and serve God through their faith filled commitment to family and choosing vocations that served the community. His Tia Lupe, Uncle Johnny Grillis and their seven daughters would play a very special role in his life until his final days. One of his cousins, Carmen Grillis, would be an instrument in God’s handiwork and introduce him to his beautiful bride to be, Eva Cuello. His vocation as husband and father was blessed with a family of 5 children and 64 years of marriage.
His dedication to a strong work ethic started at a very young age as a shoe shine boy. Shining shoes in front of his Uncle’s restaurant helped him earn money to share with his family and a little for his own delight. Following his release from the Army, he started his work as a glazer, beginning at Ruben Glass, then moving to Dixie Glass with his lifelong friend Oscar Guerra. Together they moved on to Binswanger Glass company which played a part in the construction of all major “high rise” buildings in the Houston/ Galveston area during the 1960’s, 70’s and 80’s. He retired after 30 years in the glass business in 1985 but his life seemed to have just begun as the he entered into 30+yrs his next vocation as servant. He was raised to seek opportunities to honor God’s intended purpose for him, which he would say was to
live having a servant’s heart. His Mom once told him, “the way you treat your parents is the way your children will treat you”. He carried that through his life and was a witness to this with all he encountered for the majority of his 99 years. “Treat them as you would want to be treated”, the Golden Rule, was near and dear to his heart. God blessed him with a wife who shared the same values and Catholic upbringing. Donating their time without hesitation to the Knights of Columbus, countless church bazaars, OLMC school fundraisers and supporting the parish in many capacities. He never passed up a free cup of coffee with one of our pastors or Mr. Chudej’s maintenance crew, which was likely an informal
meeting to plan how to attack the next set of tasks to support the needs of the school or parish. He is likely the last “historian” of the members of the BBQ pit “all night cooking crew” that also supported many of the parish needs. A golden age of supporters of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel parish and school community have left a legacy of servant attitude and fostered the desire in many of their children and families that continue today. We are blessed to know that Dad
helped form that legacy for the last 64 years! We’d be remiss if we didn’t mention the love, devotion and dedication Mom and Dad gave to helping others grow in their faith while serving in the early years of the Cursillo movement and the 20 years dedication to fundraising for the Annual Arch Bishop Flores dance, supporting catholic schools and educational programs in the Diocese. Following his retirement and time working closely with the parish, Dad started helping care for his aging father and playing softball.

He is survived by his loving Wife of 64 years , Eva Silva; children, Michael Silva (wife Liz),Teresa Ryan (husband Scott), John A. Silva (wife Robin), David Silva, Mark Silva (wife Roxan); 15 Grand children; 8 Great Grand children.

He has touched so many lives. These few words you read are a testament to that very ideal.

“Someone broke a window in Heaven and God called Mr. John Silva to come and fix it this morning. God rest this soul.” Anthony Ethridge (In-law Relative)

“Your Dad meant so much to all of us, he was all of our Dad growing up. To this day he is still the most respected man I know and a phenomenal role model to any man. Scott Seliger (former neighbor)

“You are all very much in my thoughts and prayers at this time. I is said that you don’t get over grief by
for getting, you get through it by remembering. May your many wonderful memories bring you great
comfort and consolation.” Fr. Jerry Williams (former parish priest of Mt. Carmel)

“I’ve been telling everybody today how active he was all through the years. Playing softball way beyond
the years anybody should be able to play (until 85 years old! ) and going around delivering food to the
food pantries. What an incredible life and a great example of selfless way of living.” Cipriano Pantoja
(Nephew)

“Praying for you all. Special hugs to Eva and all of your precious families. You were fortunate enough to
have the best parents ever.” Jenny Keogh (former neighbor)

“I’m thinking of all my friends in Houston, the Silvas, the Garcias and the good times we had in the
Knights of Columbus. I will always remember the good times that I had in Garden Villas.” Richard
Roberts (former parishioner)

I’d like the memory of me to be a happy one.
I’d like to leave an afterglow of smiles when life is done.
I’d like to leave an echo whispering softly down the ways,
of happy times and laughing times, and bright and sunny days.
I’d like the tears of those who grieve, to dry before the sun,
with all of the happy memories that I leave when my life is done. (unknown)

Service Information

Thursday, July 8, 2021
Visitation
7 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Rosary
7:30 p.m.

Our Lady of Mount Carmel
6723 Whitefriars Dr.
Houston, TX 77087

Friday, July 9, 2021
Visitation
12 p.m. – 1 p.m.

Mass
1 p.m.

Interment to Follow
2:15 p.m.

Forest Lawn Cemetery
8601 Almeda Genoa Rd.
Houston, TX 77075