Robert Edward Silva

Robert Edward Silva, 70, of The Villages, FL and formerly Berlin, CT, passed away on 1/25/18, surrounded by his loving family. Born and raised in New Britain, graduating from NBHS in 1965, and Porter & Chester Technical School, he retired from the US Postal Service in 2004. Bob particularly fancied Polish women. Well, one Polish woman really. Marcia (Kalinowski) told Bob that she was the one for him in 1969, and Bob began his life's work of keeping her happy. Together they had two children, Kelly Caruso (Joe) of East Hampton, and Daniel Silva (Ela) of Rocky Hill, whom he taught the value of hard work, to measure twice and cut once, to give the shirt off your back if someone you love needs it, and to listen to their mother. He took great pride in taking them on vacations and bringing them to sporting events as kids, and later teaching them how to build and maintain their homes and families. Papa took extreme pride in his four grandchildren, Taylor and Joey Caruso, and Cora and Jack Silva, for whom he would bounce off the wall when he saw their pictures, heard news of their successes, and received their FaceTime phone calls. Bob is also survived by his Aunt Ethel Zanetti, cousins Walter and Marion Schleicher who held his hand at the time of his heavenly journey and a long list of Aunts, Uncles and cousins. He was predeceased by his cousin Ron Schleicher, whom we are sure was waiting for him with a shot of Jack and a huge hug as well as his mother Marie Jakubiak. Excelling at woodworking, driving Corvettes, growing bonsai trees and playing bocce, he loved to relax in an oversized recliner while watching television at volumes loud enough for the entire house to enjoy. His beloved Red Sox finally won a World Series title in his lifetime, however his Vikings helped keep him from being too overjoyed. Bob survived the Vietnam war in his first tour so he decided to go back for a second. Sergeant Silva thanks the Army's 1st Infantry Division with teaching him how to lace his boots up and go to work. Bob was an active member of American Legion Post 347 in The Villages, FL and volunteered weekly at the VA Clinic. Bob was a fan of fine foods, especially the "special" from Central Pizza, and yes he does want the anchovies. Calling hours will be held Thursday at Porter's Funeral Home, 111 Chamberlain Highway, Berlin, from 6-8pm. Military Burial with full military honors will be at the State Veterans Cemetary on Bow Lane in Middletown on Friday at 2pm. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Relay for Life in which his granddaughter Taylor is team captain this year: http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR?px=44861603&fr_id=86578&pg=personal, or to Cornerstone Hospice Foundation, 2445 Lane Park Road, Tavares, FL 32778