Joe Silva

Joe T. Silva, longtime resident of Durango, Colorado went to the big fishing hole in the sky with his loving family by his side on July 21, 2017 at the age of 96. Joe was born on April 16, 1921 in Trinidad, Colorado to Jose de la Paz and Juanita (Rael) Silva.

Joe grew up and attended school in Trinidad, Colorado with his four sisters and three brothers. He left Trinidad to join the Conservation Core. Joe was drafted to the Army in 1942 and served as a medical corpsman with the 91st Medical Gas Treatment Unit during World War II. He served in Normandy, France, Belgium, Holland and Central Europe. He was decorated with the Good Conduct Medal, World War II Victory Medal, American Service Medal and European Service Medal.

Joe was known as a skilled fisherman, bowler, and flirt. He enjoyed living in this beautiful area and loved to spend his days fishing at Electra Lake which he commonly referred to as "Paradise". Joe was a member of several bowling leagues at the Durango Bowl in the years before their closing. Joe's favorite thing to do was spend time with his family whether it was his weekly breakfast with his son, John or sharing stories and fishing with his "Hitas", Sally and Briana. He made friends everywhere he went and will be missed by many.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Jose and Juanita Silva, his son Anthony, his sisters Anita, Annie and Rebecca, and his brothers Benjamin, Joe D. (Dolores) and Joe E. (Emilio) and many others friends and family members who he missed dearly.

Joe is survived by his daughter Sally Silva of Ignacio, Colorado, his son John Silva of Durango, Colorado, his sister Ruby Silva, of Los Angeles, California, his grandchildren, Briana (Ryan) Bartholomew, Kathy Silva, Kenneth Silva, his great-granddaughter Angela Silva, as well as many nieces, nephews, relatives and dear friends.

Joe is in the care of Hood Mortuary in Durango, Colorado. At his request, he has been cremated and his ashes will be put to rest at Electra Lake along with the planting of a memorial tree.

A Rosary will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church at 6pm on August 18th. A Mass will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Durango, Colorado at 2pm on August 19th followed by a gathering of friends and family at The Elk's Lodge to celebrate Joe's long, well-lived life.