Arthur M. Silva, 92, of Portsmouth, RI and Brooksville, FL passed away peacefully on July 23 at Charlton Memorial Hospital surrounded by his loving family. He was the husband of Theresa Galipeau for the past 19 years. He was predeceased by his first wife Alice (Serodio) Silva in 1992 with whom he was married for 52 years.
Silva was born in Fall River, MA on February 13, 1922 and was the son of the late Manual and Irene Silva.
Arthur was an Army veteran of WWII. After returning from service he was known to many as the produce manager at the A&P Supermarkets in Newport, Middletown and Fall River from the 1950's to the 1980's. After his retirement from the A&P he managed and directed bus trips for the Grocery Clerk's Union to various New England destinations. His outgoing personality, boundless energy and willingness to help others created a large circle of friends.
Arthur was known to create beautifully finished furniture from discarded remnants he found on sidewalks throughout the area. These fine furnishings will remain as physical reminders of the many ways he touched area families' lives.
Arthur is survived by his children Arthur Silva of Fall River, Donald Silva and his wife Leonora of Portsmouth and Nancy Silva and her husband John Braga of Portsmouth, as well as eight grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren. He was the brother of Lydia, Irene, Artemesia, Agnes and the late Manual.
He is also survived by his wife Theresa's children Alfred, Roger, Richard and Jean Galipeau and Joan Moore, their children and grandchildren.
His Funeral Mass was celebrated on Monday, July 28, in St. Joseph's Church followed by his committal with military honors at Notre Dame Cemetery.