John M. Silva, Jr, 82, of Somerset, husband of Yvonne (Legace) Silva, passed away at home on Wednesday, July 1, 2020, after an extended illness. Born in Fall River, a son of the late John M. Silva and the late Anna (Tavares) Silva, he lived in Somerset for the past 15 years. He had also resided in Gloversville, NY, Dighton and Taunton.

An employee of Benjamin Moore Paints for nearly 30 years, John was an efficiency expert. He managed paint factories and was a pioneer in the development of systems that would eliminate hazardous waste from the production process. John received national recognition for his work.

A talented high school saxophonist, John received scholarship offers from several top music schools. But while life and career took him in other directions, his love of music continued throughout his life, including volunteering his time, into his late 70s, with the Swansea Community Band which entertains nursing home residents.

John, or "Rinky" as he was affectionately known, was a guy who could fix anything. A skilled hobbyist, he restored many classic cars for family and friends. If you couldn't afford to restore your collectible car, but you bought the parts, he would do the restoration for free. If you took on a project like an engine swap or bathroom remodel, and got into trouble, all you had to do was call John and he would jump right in and get you back on track.

Besides his wife, of 59 years, he is survived by: three children, Anne L. Silva (fiancé David Liebtag) of Chester, VT, David S. Silva (wife Elaine) of Berkley, MA, and Natasha Lenz (husband Otto) of Hatfield, MA; two grandchildren, John M. Silva, III, and Jillian R. Silva; several nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was also the brother of the late Pauline S. Moniz and William T. Silva.

Due to the COVID pandemic, John's private funeral was held on Monday, July 6th, from on Somerset Chapel with the celebration of His Funeral Mass in St. John of God Church followed by his committal at St. Patrick's Cemetery in Somerset.

When the current crisis has abated enough for large gatherings to again take place, John's family is planning to arrange for a Celebration of Life, to which extended family and friends will be invited.

Family members are always grateful for relatives and friends wishing to share in-person kindness and support. But because of the pandemic, we are all urged to express sympathy online or by mail.

To ensure that said condolences reach the family, please always make sure that submissions online are made directly through the funeral home's website ( www.silvafaria.com ) and not through a third party. Thank you!

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in John's memory to the Somerset Friends of Music at FriendsOfMusic1972.org to benefit Somerset Berkley Regional High School music program.