Norman Joseph Silva's Obituary
Norman Joseph Silva
March 29, 1929 – February 12, 2024
Norman, 94, passed away peacefully at his home in Manteca California on February 12, 2024 of natural causes.
Norman was born on March 29, 1929 in Oakland, California. Son of the late Joseph Silva and Mamie Costa, He was proceeded in death by his loving wife of 58 years, Dorothy Mae (August 16, 2006) Son, Donald Allen (August 09, 1991) Sister, Shirley October 07, 2021) Daughter in laws, Linda
(October 29, 2015) and
Sharon (September 19, 2019)
Norman was the loving father of Norman Jr. (Linda) Donald Allen (Francis) Thomas Raymond (Sharon) James Leroy (Helen) Norman was the eldest of three children, he is survived by his brother Tom. Norman had nine grandchildren, Carrie, Dawn Marie, Norman, John, Jimmy, Heather, Chris, Tommy, and Greg.
Norman had twenty one great grandchildren and four great great grandchildren.
Norman had four daughter in laws - Linda, Francis, Sharon, and Helen. They held a special place in his heart. They were the daughters he never had 💕
The early years of life for his mom Mamie were a bit of a challenge. Norman lost his dad when he was 8 years old. His mother was faced with raising two boys and an infant daughter without a husband. Norman was the eldest, he knew at a young age he would have to step up and help his mom with his brother and sister. Those of you that knew him witnessed his maturity and leadership at a very young age. He always led by example. He was a great brother and son.
They moved in with his grandparents who only spoke Portuguese. He loved his grandparents especially his grandpa. Him and his brother Tommy would spend lots of time in their grandpa’s beautiful garden.
Uncle Joe, his mother’s brother stepped in and filled a huge void when he returned from his military duties. Uncle Joe helped the family financially along with his brother, Uncle Tony. My dad really looked up to those men. He was very fortunate to have them in his life.
Norman attended and graduated from Castlemont High in Oakland California in 1947. He was very proud and involved in his High School. He was a member of the Six Footers Club. Their mission was to raise money to help fund different sports programs. His junior and senior year he was secretary and treasurer for the school. He was a talented baseball and basketball player. His best friend in high school was Harry Eastwood, he was so proud of his buddy Harry. Eastwood signed with the Yankees as a catcher and received a World Series Ring in 1951. Norm attended his last Castlemont High School class reunion in 2020 with his brother Tommy.
Norm worked for Edward R. Bacon Company from 1947 - 1995 he dedicated his entire career to one company. He loved the construction industry and made many friends, many of them competitors throughout California. He enjoyed meeting new folks in the industry as he traveled to the East Coast to visit construction equipment factories and attend Heavy Equipment Seminars. He was well known, respected and well liked in the Industry. He met some wonderful people along the way. He served as President of the EMSA Equipment Maintenance Supervisors Association for two years in the early 70’s
In the early 60’s he joined a club the Bacon Clam Diggers. He served as treasurer of that group for over 4 decades.
He would share with his family often that without Harry How II and Harry’s father Jack How the owners of ERBCO none of this would have been possible. Norm not only considered Harry How II to be the best employer but considered him to be one of his best friends.
Norman loved to play golf, especially with his sons. He belong to several golf clubs but his favorite by far was The Crooked Sticks Golf Club. A club that his son Tommy and his friend Gary Ham started in 1981. He loved that group of men. Norm and Dottie really enjoyed attending the CSGC annual Awards Banquet. The Silva boys friends through the years were a big part of their lives.
Norman was the most practical man you would ever meet. He lived a wonderful life, he was a man of character, he had wit and great wisdom. He was honest and he did things the right way. He was a great provider and his family was the most important aspect of his life. His passion will leave a void in their life but his legacy will carry on 💕
What’s your fondest memory of Norman?
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