Gerald “Butch” F. Silva, age 70, of Rochester, passed away Wednesday, December 10, 2014 at St. Luke’s Hospital. He was the husband of Susan (Bellotti) Silva, with whom he shared 48 years of marriage.
Born in Acushnet, the son of the late Frank and Irene (Longtin) Silva, he was a life-long resident of the area.
Mr. Silva served in the United States Coast Guard Reserves in the Coastal Forces Unit, which was the only combat unit ever in the Coast Guard. He was the owner and operator of Bay State Window and Door, where he had started working with his dad when he was only 14 years old. Butch was a communicant of St. John Neumann Church, where he was a greeter and collector. He also served as President and Treasurer of the Couples Club at the church. He was very involved with the Lakeside Family Festival, where he organized the motorcycle run each year. Butch enjoyed riding his Harley Davidson and especially loved spending time with his family and friends. He enjoyed woodworking and recently wood turning with his wife.
In addition to his wife survivors include: two daughters, Michelle Alves and her husband Gregory of Acushnet and Angela English and her husband David of Dartmouth; four grandchildren, Cameron Alves and his girlfriend Amanda Eldridge, Hannah Alves, Alex English and Zachary English; mother-in-law, Mary Bellotti; sister-in-law, Marie Crompton; niece, Kim Heydt and nephew, Craig Crompton. He is also survived by his sister, Janet Rapoza; several other nieces and nephews. He will be greatly missed by his extended family at church and the V (VFW Post #6643) in East Freetown.
The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to his doctors, Dr. Gary Grosart, Dr. Kathryn Chen, Dr. Richard Demopoulos, as well as the staff at the SIC-U at St. Luke’s Hospital for their care and compassion.
Relatives and friends are invited to his funeral mass on Tuesday, December 16, 2014 at 10 AM at St. John Neumann Church, 157 Middleboro Rd., East Freetown. Burial will be private. Visiting hours, Monday 4-7 PM in the ROCK Funeral Home, 1285 Ashley Blvd., New Bedford.
In lieu of flowers donations in memory of Butch may be made to, St. John Neumann Building Fund (Parish Center), 157 Middleboro Rd., P.O. Box 717, East Freetown, MA 02717.
For tributes/directions, www.rock-funeralhome.com