Jose "Joe" Silva, age 88, passed away peacefully at his home in Burlington on Tuesday, August 4th, with his loving family by his side. He was the beloved husband of the late Marigrace "Penny" (Madden) Silva, with whom he shared over 62 wonderful years of marriage, prior to her passing in 2022.

Born in Cambridge, Massachusetts on January 1, 1938, Joe was the youngest of seven children of the late Arthur and Maria (DosAnjos) Silva. Following his education, he proudly enlisted in the Massachusetts National Guard in 1955.

Joe met the love of his life, Penny, at the Bal-A-Roue Roller Skating Rink in Medford when they were young. The couple married in 1960 and settled down in Somerville to start their family. In 1968, they moved to Burlington, where they found their forever home, raised their daughters, and enjoyed the remainder of their lives together.

Throughout his distinguished military career, he served as a combat engineer and supply manager, later advancing through the ranks to become a Forces Command Project Manager from 1985 to 1989. He retired from military after 34 years of service with the esteemed rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Following his retirement, Joe brought his talents and leadership to the Massachusetts Fire Academy, where he served as Head Engineer and Facility Manager until 1999. His final retirement was from the Town of Burlington where he worked for over a decade.

While Joe was an exceptionally dedicated worker, he always found time for his community and the people he cared about most. Volunteering was especially important to him, particularly at St. Margaret's Church, where he was deeply involved for many years. Joe could always be counted on to lend a helping hand. He was also a proud member of the American Legion, the Knights of Columbus, and the Irish-American Club, where he formed many lifelong connections and friendships.

Joe was the ultimate handyman and could fix just about anything placed in front of him. He took great pride in helping family and friends with household projects and especially enjoyed restoring old furniture. Even pieces that he found on the side of the road were transformed through Joe's skill, patience, and craftsmanship into treasured items for those he loved.

Following their retirement, Joe and Penny enjoyed traveling together whenever they could. Whether they were exploring Ireland, Mexico and Bermuda or attending one of their favorite local Portuguese festivals, they cherished every adventure and every moment spent together. As his grandchildren and great-grandchildren came along, Joe found even greater joy in hosting gatherings and creating opportunities for everyone to come together. Most recently, his happiest moments were spent celebrating and attending his granddaughters weddings this summer.

Joe will forever be remembered as a man who would do anything for anyone. His kindness, generosity, compassion, and unwavering willingness to help others touched countless lives. He leaves behind a legacy of love, service, and selflessness that will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to know him.

Joe is survived by his adoring daughters, Suzanne Silva-Gaudio & her husband Ron of Burlington, and Elaine Liguori & her husband Randy of South Hadley; his cherished grandchildren, Kyle Liguori & his wife Brooke, Erika Christman and her husband Nicholas, and Isabella Gaudio-Cappella & her husband Cameron; his loving great-grandchildren, Jacob and Lucas Liguori; his dear sister, Louise Mosca of Somerville, as well as many other beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, close friends, and neighbors.

Joe was the loving father of the late Thomas Silva, a dear brother of the late Maria Silva, Helen Dove, Marian Mickiewicz, Arthur Silva, and Anthony Silva.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend visitation on Monday, August 10th from 4 pm until 7 pm at the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., Burlington. His Funeral will be held from the Funeral Home on Tuesday, August 11th at 9 am with a Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 10 am at St. Margaret’s Church, 111 Winn St., Burlington. Burial will immediately follow in Holy Cross Cemetery, Malden. As an expression of sympathy, donations in Joe’s honor may be made to People Helping People.