Larry Joseph Silva

Larry Joseph Silva, born on November 22, 1938, in Merced, California, was called home to heaven on October 24, 2025. His life was devoted to faith, family, friends, and community.

Larry was the eldest child of Joe M. and Josie Fragulia Silva. He attended Our Lady of Mercy Elementary School, Merced High School, and Modesto Junior College. While attending Modesto J.C., he drove a bus route between Atwater and Modesto.  He was also a bus driver for McSwain School for many years. In 1958, he married his high school sweetheart, Rosemary Nunes, and soon after began working in the Silva Family Dairy business.

In 1987, Larry sold the dairy and returned to college to complete his education, becoming an Independent Studies Teacher for the Merced Union High School District. He retired in 2001 and from then on, traveling became one of his and Rosemary’s favorite pastimes. Together they explored much of the United States by car, visited many countries, and made beautiful memories on numerous cruises—all while remaining deeply involved in the lives of their children and grandchildren.

A man of deep faith and service, Larry was a longtime member of St. Anthony’s Catholic Parish where he served as a Lay Minister for 32 years. He was also a past member of the Applegate Grange and Atwater Lions Club, and volunteered for the St. Vincent de Paul Society. Larry was a proud member of the Buhach Pentecost Club, the Portuguese Fraternal Society of America, and the Young Men’s Institute (YMI), where he served three years as local President and later as Grand President in 1993—an honor that allowed him to travel throughout the U.S. and Hawaii. He also dedicated eight years of service to the McSwain School Board.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Charles “Chuck” Silva, and his beloved wife of 53½ years, Rosemary. He is lovingly remembered by his daughters Kimberly (Jesse) Meraz and Suzanne (Randy) Fagundes; his sister Dianne (Mike) Silva; his sisters-in-law Sue J. Silva and Jeanette Nunes. He was a proud grandfather to Jacob (Michelle) Jefferies, Jonah (Erin) Johnson, Christopher (Katie) Fagundes, and Matthew (Camille) Fagundes; and a doting great-grandfather to Averie and James Jefferies and Madeleine, Juliette, and Alina Fagundes. Larry also leaves behind his dear companion, Carole Dolber, who cared for him lovingly and was his angel in his final years, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who will miss him deeply.

Visitation, recital of the rosary, and a funeral Mass will be held on Friday, November 21, 2025, beginning at 9:00 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Church, 2988 N. Buhach Rd., Atwater. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the YMI Educational Foundation (YMI Council 80), P.O. Box 1264, Atwater, CA 95301, or to the Portuguese Fraternal Society of America Scholarship Foundation/George Corvelo, 2305 Fay Dr., Atwater, CA 95301.

Larry’s life was a shining example of love, faith, and service. His legacy will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know him.

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