Donald “Don” Timothy Silva

May 17, 1935 - December 3, 2021

Donald “Don” Timothy Silva, 86, passed away Friday, December 3, 2021 in Hospice House in Cape Coral, FL.

Don was born May 17, 1935 in Brooklyn, NY to loving parents, Richard and Geraldine Silva. He was a resident of Ft Myers Beach for over 25 years and most recently of North Fort Myers, FL. 

He is survived by his “beloved wife” and Best friend of nearly 70 years, Gladys aka Puddy Silva.

Levittown LI, NY is where he raised his adoring children, Richard Silva & wife Virginia of Trumball, CT, Theresa Tuohey and husband, Stephen of Medford, NY and Fort Myers Beach, FL, Kathleen Silva-Caruso of North Fort Myers, FL; he is also survived by his sister, Mary Hannon and husband, Jack of NC; Don’s four grandchildren, Ryan Tuohey and wife, Stephanie , James Silva and wife Elizabeth, Father Eric Silva, and John Silva; as well as his five great grandchildren, Samantha & Mason Tuohey and Dominic, Gianna  and Azelia Rose Silva.

Don was preceded in death by his brothers, Robert (Bobby) and Ronald (Ronny).

Donald was a devoted member of St. Columbkille Catholic Church in Fort Myers, where he was an honored and was a proud Eucharistic Minister. He volunteered for 11yearrs at the church Thrift Store, participated in the after school children programs, and taught first Holy Communion classes. He served in the United States Navy Reserve and was a Post Commander of American Legion Post 1011 in Levittown, NY. Don was dedicated to always giving back to ant community he lived in. He volunteered his time to the special Olympics, even dressed up as an elf one year to hand out awards to the kids. Other organizations Don gave his time and love to was the Make a Wish foundation, homeless coalitions both in NY and Fl, cooked 1000’s of pancakes for multiple men’s shelters after church on Sundays, served meals for the Salvation Army and multiple soup kitchens. 

Don was the GREATEST dancer EVER! No matter how tired he may have been he always had time for one more for any woman who asked to cut in on his Puddy.

Dons heart and character was the ultimate definition of integrity, loyalty, honor and great humility. 

Dons love, kindness & friendship to others was limitless. When you were in his presence, he listened so intently to your every word as you were the most important & only person in the room. Don was “present”, you knew and felt his genuine interest in everything you were sharing with him. 

When he said I love you he meant it with all of his being. 

He was a loyal and devoted “father/grandfather” to all who ever needed a strong loving male figure in their lives. 

His love was truly unconditional for all. He taught his children to always extend a hand to everyone, never walk past/ignore nor judge anyone who maybe in need without helping them some way. If only to acknowledge, smile and say a kind word. He believed we are all brothers and sisters in Christ.

There was no greater storyteller than our Don. We will miss hearing those stories and we will spend the rest of our lives telling the stories of the finest man Don Silva who touched the lives and hearts of so many. 

A Celebration of Life Mass followed by internment will be held Wednesday, December 29, 2021 at 11:00 am at St. Columbkille Catholic Church and Memorial Garden, 12171 Iona Rd., Fort Myers, FL 33908 with his grandson, Father Eric Silva and his dear friend, Father Pat Boyhan officiating.

In lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions can be made in memory of Donald Silva to St. Columbkille Catholic Church’s Outreach Program and Food Kitchen, 12171 Iona Rd., Fort Myers, FL 33908.

The greatest gift we can honor this one of a kind man with would be to forgive all and Return To Love for each other. 

Mullins Memorial Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Cape Coral, is entrusted with final care.

Guestbook

  1. MaryAnn and Kevin 🙏🏼🙏🏼 Dec 16, 2021 at 10:59 am

    To our dear sweet Poppy Don. Your beautiful smile touched mine and Kevin’s hearts forever. Your kind words of wisdom will always be with me. Your gentleness just came from your heart always. It was mine and Kevin’s honor to be truly loved by such a great man. We will always love you♥️♥️☘️

  2. Scott Bardolf Dec 16, 2021 at 12:42 pm

    Oh Gladys, I’m so sorry to see this. He was such a great guy. To this day, I can still remember watching you two dance at my parents 25th wedding anniversary! Amazing. I have such fond memories of Christmas Eve parties at your house, homemade fudge! Love to all and may his love for you last into eternity.

    Your old neighbor,
    Scott Bardolf

  3. Beckie Reeves Dec 16, 2021 at 1:04 pm

    Don was such a kind and sweet soul. It was such a pleasure to have known him through St Columbkille. My heartfelt sympathies to Gladys and his wonderful family. ❤

  4. Linda and Will Dec 16, 2021 at 2:34 pm

    Dear the Sliva and Tuohey family, I’m so grateful I had the chance to know a wonderful, kind man , he was so very much loved by myself and my family Sending all my love and prayers to his beautiful family ❤️

  5. Ruth Scott Dec 16, 2021 at 6:20 pm

    Don was the epitome of kindness. I will always remember him as a great neighbor and a fellow lover of St. Columbkill’s presence in our lives.
    REST IN THE PALM OF HIS HANDS…

  6. Sr. Carol Beevers Dec 16, 2021 at 7:50 pm

    Oh dear Gladys, my deepest sympathy on Don’s passing. He truly was a great guy and such a truly loving and caring person. What a gift to have had 70 years together. I have such wonderful memories of our times at the House of Prayer and our Interfaith gatherings. Surrounding you with love and prayers.
    With heartfelt sympathy, Sr. Carol

  7. Theresa Tuohey Dec 16, 2021 at 8:25 pm

    My Daddy the first man I ever loved♥️ Your love of your family was amazing. And you and Mommy made our house a loving home. I close my eyes and I see this little girl who had a great childhood. And I thank you. I am the women I am because of you. Always will I remember our family trips and pretzels while the rest rode the rides”not us”. You will forever hold a large part of my heart. I will miss your laugh,hugs smile and wise words. Forever my Daddy. Sing loud with the angels. Till I see you again Rest In Peace. Always always feel my hugs and hear me when I need to talk. Love you Daddy♥️♥️♥️

  8. Randi Outsen’ Dec 16, 2021 at 11:13 pm

    Gladys we are so sad to hear about Don. I will always remember what great friends you were to my parents Fran and Allan and all the good times and laughs you all shared! I am sure Fran was there to welcome him with Ann andJoe… our prayers and love to you and your family

  9. Diane and Allan Dec 17, 2021 at 8:44 am

    Dear Gladys (Puddy), Diane and I are so saddened by the loss of my friend Don. Don was such a very loving warm and kind individual, they through away the mold when they made him. From the first day we met the both of you I knew we would remain life long friends. He will be surely missed by all who knew him. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your beautiful family.

  10. Joe Santangelo Dec 17, 2021 at 9:38 am

    Gladys, I am so sorry to hear of Don’s passing. He was a kind and caring person. I sure he was greeted by the old crew, my Mom and Dad and Fran! My thoughts and prayers are with you from my home in SC.
    Regards….

  11. Lisa Lee (Santangelo) Dec 17, 2021 at 10:14 am

    Gladys and Family. I am so very sorry for your loss. Don always had a smile and his face and a great friend to my parents. I’m sure Ann, Joe and Fran welcomed him with open arms. Peace, Love and Hugs to get through this difficult time. You are all in my prayers🙏💔

  12. Kellie Nardin Dec 17, 2021 at 1:39 pm

    That was beautiful and truly spoke about the man he was. He will always be on my heart. I gave loved him since the day I was born. He will always be missed.

  13. Debbie Casper Dec 17, 2021 at 1:55 pm

    Dearest Gladys and family,
    May your wonderful memories of Don bring you comfort. at this difficult time. The friendship you had with Ann & Joe, Fran & Allan and Maurice & Louise was a joy to watch and be a part of. Mike & I remember fondly the time you spent with Joe at our home in Lake Placid. Prayers for strength and comfort from us both. May Don’s memory be a blessing.
    Debbie & Mike Casper

  14. Lois Leitch Dec 17, 2021 at 3:33 pm

    Dear Gladys and family,
    We are so very sorry to hear of Don’s passing, our prayers and condolences go out to you all at this time of sorrow. My god bless you all. Love, Lois and Robert Leitch

  15. Mark Bardolf Dec 18, 2021 at 6:29 pm

    He was like an Uncle that lived next door! I don’t remember ever seeing him lose his temper! The laugh, the cigar and the love will forever be etched in my memory! We had some block, didn’t we?? Hugs to you all! Love, ( your sweet potato) Mark xoxo

  16. Bob Foley Dec 18, 2021 at 6:43 pm

    Dear Gladys and family. I am sure that Margie was on a long line waiting to greet Don in Heaven.Much love and prayers

  17. Mary G Myers Dec 20, 2021 at 9:07 am

    When I think of Don I see his smile. That’s what I remember the most. A happy, caring. funny, loving and smiling gentleman. We will miss you always.

  18. Your baby girl Dec 20, 2021 at 9:17 am

    Oh my Papa Love, I miss you so much! 💔

  19. Cathie Moore-Cafferata Dec 20, 2021 at 9:20 am

    Rest In Peace Boo Boo 😘

  20. Stacie Dec 23, 2021 at 4:23 pm

    There are no words. I just can’t find any. He was the only man I ever felt safe with when I was a kid. Although we were far apart it brought me get comfort just knowing Uncle Don was there.
    Prayers up but I know ur with mom and aunt Ev. ❤️‍🩹

  21. Tara Hoopmann OConnor Dec 29, 2021 at 2:36 am

    There are no words that can capture the feeling of love and safety one felt from a hug from Don “Poppy” Silva. I was proud to be Poppy’s red headed Florida daughter and being with Poppy & Puddy felt like home. There was always unconditional love, an unwavering interest in your well being and kind worded, heartfelt advice that I always received with eagerness. Deepest condolences to Puddy and Katie and the entire Silva and Tuohey families and Godspeed to Don Silva; Poppy may the angels hold you in the palm of their hands to rest next to the Lord until you greet Puddy someday. You will forever be fondly remembered by all who knew you. Xoxo

  22. Joseph Staskewicz Mar 9, 2022 at 8:47 pm

    We worked together for twenty years, you were a man of honor and integrity, in an industry that was less than that at times. The world was a better place when you were with us.

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