Donald “Don” Timothy Silva

Donald “Don” Timothy Silva, 86, passed away Friday, December 3, 2021 in Hospice House in Cape Coral, FL.

Don was born May 17, 1935 in Brooklyn, NY to loving parents, Richard and Geraldine Silva. He was a resident of Ft Myers Beach for over 25 years and most recently of North Fort Myers, FL. 

He is survived by his “beloved wife” and Best friend of nearly 70 years, Gladys aka Puddy Silva.

Levittown LI, NY is where he raised his adoring children, Richard Silva & wife Virginia of Trumball, CT, Theresa Tuohey and husband, Stephen of Medford, NY and Fort Myers Beach, FL, Kathleen Silva-Caruso of North Fort Myers, FL; he is also survived by his sister, Mary Hannon and husband, Jack of NC; Don’s four grandchildren, Ryan Tuohey and wife, Stephanie , James Silva and wife Elizabeth, Father Eric Silva, and John Silva; as well as his five great grandchildren, Samantha & Mason Tuohey and Dominic, Gianna  and Azelia Rose Silva.

Don was preceded in death by his brothers, Robert (Bobby) and Ronald (Ronny).

Donald was a devoted member of St. Columbkille Catholic Church in Fort Myers, where he was an honored and was a proud Eucharistic Minister. He volunteered for 11yearrs at the church Thrift Store, participated in the after school children programs, and taught first Holy Communion classes. He served in the United States Navy Reserve and was a Post Commander of American Legion Post 1011 in Levittown, NY. Don was dedicated to always giving back to ant community he lived in. He volunteered his time to the special Olympics, even dressed up as an elf one year to hand out awards to the kids. Other organizations Don gave his time and love to was the Make a Wish foundation, homeless coalitions both in NY and Fl, cooked 1000’s of pancakes for multiple men’s shelters after church on Sundays, served meals for the Salvation Army and multiple soup kitchens. 

Don was the GREATEST dancer EVER! No matter how tired he may have been he always had time for one more for any woman who asked to cut in on his Puddy.

Dons heart and character was the ultimate definition of integrity, loyalty, honor and great humility. 

Dons love, kindness & friendship to others was limitless. When you were in his presence, he listened so intently to your every word as you were the most important & only person in the room. Don was “present”, you knew and felt his genuine interest in everything you were sharing with him. 

When he said I love you he meant it with all of his being. 

He was a loyal and devoted “father/grandfather” to all who ever needed a strong loving male figure in their lives. 

His love was truly unconditional for all. He taught his children to always extend a hand to everyone, never walk past/ignore nor judge anyone who maybe in need without helping them some way. If only to acknowledge, smile and say a kind word. He believed we are all brothers and sisters in Christ.

There was no greater storyteller than our Don. We will miss hearing those stories and we will spend the rest of our lives telling the stories of the finest man Don Silva who touched the lives and hearts of so many. 

A Celebration of Life Mass followed by internment will be held Wednesday, December 29, 2021 at 11:00 am at St. Columbkille Catholic Church and Memorial Garden, 12171 Iona Rd., Fort Myers, FL 33908 with his grandson, Father Eric Silva and his dear friend, Father Pat Boyhan officiating.

In lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions can be made in memory of Donald Silva to St. Columbkille Catholic Church’s Outreach Program and Food Kitchen, 12171 Iona Rd., Fort Myers, FL 33908.

The greatest gift we can honor this one of a kind man with would be to forgive all and Return To Love for each other. 

Mullins Memorial Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Cape Coral, is entrusted with final care.