Manuel J. Silva

PEPPERELL: Manuel J. Silva, 85, a resident of Pepperell for nearly 45 years, died Friday, January 12, 2024 at the home of his daughter in Lincoln, NH. Manny was born in Worcester, March 30, 1938, a son of Antonio T. and Rose M. Silva and grew up in Worcester. He was a graduate of North High School. Upon graduation from high school Manny enlisted in the United States Air Force. Following six years of service, he chose to continue to serve the nation as a member of the United States Army. He rose through the ranks, qualified for Officer Candidate School and became an officer. He flew helicopters in Vietnam and earned numerous commendations including a Bronze Star, an Army Commendation Medal and the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry. Upon his return to stateside service, he completed a degree in history at Clark University. He was selected to attend the prestigious Command General Staff College where he earned a Masters degree in Military Art and Science. He retired as a Lieutenant Colonel, in September 1984, after serving his country for 24 years. Following his retirement from the armed services, he worked as a consultant for the 66th Logistics Readiness Squadron at Hanscom Air Force Base in Bedford, where he earned a reputation for assuring that the nations interests were served by monitoring and managing military contracts. Manny was an avid gardener and certified as a Master Gardener, an accolade of which he was particularly proud. For years, he worked to create a garden oasis at his family home in Pepperell. Time in the gardens, creating and laboring, was a passion that he shared with his children and grandchildren. The gardens were a physical manifestation of this love, but the true gift was the time and memories he created by sharing his passion with family. Manny also loved to spend time with friends and family golfing and fishing. By far, his favorite pastime, was traveling with his wife of fifty-seven years, Barbara. They spent winters with friends in Florida and enjoyed seeing the world with memorable trips abroad. They travelled to Africa, China and many parts of Europe but Manny said the most beautiful place they travelled was to Vietnam. Barbara preceded him in death in 2015 and Manny spent the ensuing years enjoying the company of old friends, children and grandchildren. He leaves two daughters and sons in law, Sharon M. and David Hunt of Marietta, GA, Deborah M. and Joel Ouellette of Lincoln, NH; six grandchildren, Joshua, Sarah and, Matthew Hunt; Alicia Freeman, Kaitlyn Priest, Daniel Silva and eight great grandchildren, Carter and Avery Wildes; Sofia, Evelyn and Ruby Hunt; and Lillian, Jude and Margaret Freeman. He was predeceased by his wife, Barbara A. (Coffey) Silva in June 2015 and his son, Anthony J. Silva of Townsend in September 2008. Manny’s funeral Mass will be celebrated 11 AM Thursday, January 18, 2024 at St. John the Evangelist Church, 1 School Street, Townsend. Interment will follow at Pepperell Association Cemetery, Park Street, Pepperell. Manny’s family will receive relatives and friends at calling hours Wednesday, January17th from 4-7 PM at the Anderson Funeral Home, 250 Main Street (Rte 119) Townsend Center.

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Manuel J. Silva

March 30, 1938 - January 13, 2024