George M. Silva, D.M.D., age 77, of Westport, MA, passed away on Monday, May 18, 2009, at the Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, following an illness. He was the husband of Nancy (Treby) Silva. Born in Fall River, he was the eldest child of the late Jose Silva and the late Agnes (Moniz) Silva. A Westport resident for many years, he was a graduate of Bishop Coyle High School in Taunton, MA, and Tufts Medical School in Boston. Following college, Dr. Silva enlisted in the United States Army, earned a commission as Captain and served in New Jersey as a dentist at Fort Dix. Upon discharge from the Army he remained in service for several years with the National Guard. After his Army service, Dr. Silva entered into private practice, providing family dental care to the community for many years at his Fall River office on North Main Street. George was a communicant of St. George's Church in Westport and an active volunteer with the St. Vincent de Paul Society. In his retirement he enjoyed the company of his family, working in the garden and traveling. In addition to his beloved wife, Nancy, he is survived by five children, George Silva & his wife Lisa of Tiverton, RI, Susan Allan of Bristol, RI, James Silva & his wife Susan of Assonet, MA, Lori Wirth & her husband Jim of Tolland, CT, and Christopher Mack & his wife Nancy of Queensbury, NY, nine siblings, Joseph M. Silva of Tennessee, Ines "Dolly" Bentson of Maple Grove, MN, Mary M. Freitas of Westport, Sister Teresa Silva, R.S.M., of Taunton, MA, Laurindo M. Silva of Florida, Rita M. Furnberg of California, Margaret M. Ross of New York, Paul A. Silva of Swansea, MA, and Carol Ann Silva of Tiverton, RI. He also leaves eight grandchildren, and many nieces & nephews. His Funeral Mass was offered on Friday (5/22) in St. George's Church, Westport. Committal services with military honors followed at Notre Dame Cemetery in Fall River. Pallbearers were George Michael Silva, James Joseph Silva, Laurindo M. Silva, Paul Anthony Silva, Christopher Mack and Paul Edward Ross. Contributions may be sent in his memory to the Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura Foundation. The ITP Foundation Website address is, www.itpfoundation.org