Richard Clifford Silva, age 89, beloved son, brother, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away April, 5, 2018 in Gilbert, Arizona. Cliff was born May 1, 1928 in Merced, California to Tony and Margaret (Souza) Silva and lived in Fremont, California most of his life.
His daughter moved him to Gilbert, Arizona in 2010 after Cliff suffered a stroke. He served as a stenographer in the Army where he received a Bronze Star for meritorious service under General George H. Decker and also served in the Korean War for a second tour of duty. On his return to civilian life, Cliff worked as an accountant for Ford Motor Company for 53 years. He was skilled at drawing and cooking, but he loved most to hike Mission Peak not far from his Fremont home. He loved collecting and decorating with those items that brought him joy.
He is survived by his daughter, Peggy Shumway of Gilbert, AZ; a step-son, Kenneth Laeger of Birmingham, Alabama; four grandsons, Jared, Kevin, Taylor, and Adam Shumway; two great-grandsons, Liam and Declan Shumway; and various nieces and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Helen Whittle and Marilyn Hoffman.
Visitation will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 230 N. Val Vista Drive, Gilbert, AZ 85234 on Saturday, April 14, 2018 at 2 PM. Funeral services will follow at 3 PM. Interment will take place at the Rolling Hills Memorial Park in Richmond California on April 19. The family would like to express thanks for the help and care given by the A&M Group Home and by Hospice of the Valley. Arrangements by Bunkers’ Garden Chapel.
My deep condolences to the Silva family,
I was really touched by the loss of your loved one. When a precious loved one falls asleep in death, it brings to mind God’s precious son Jesus. It is comforting to note how he viewed death. I would like to share it with you from the gift that the Most High God has given to each & everyone of us. Yes, His written word the Bible. In the Book of John chapter 11 verses 11-14 please, notice that Jesus viewed death as one Sleeping. He viewed death in such a comforting way. And, the Most High God promises that we can have the opportunity to see our loved ones again in perfect health (Psalms 83:18, Acts 24:15, & Isaiah 33:24). He even says where: Psalms 37:11 and for how long Psalms 37:29). I really hope that these promises were as comforting to you as they were to us when our daughter died and also when my precious husband of 50 years fell asleep in death due to cancer. I truly understand the pain that comes from losing someone so precious to us.
Written to you in deep sympathy,
Sissy