William Silva

William A. Silva, 76, of Waterford, passed away May 25th, 2022, surrounded by his loved ones. I was born Nov. 24, 1945, in New London, to the late Frances Silva Brown and the late Anthony “Tony” Silva. I attended New London schools and graduated from New London High School in 1963.

First of all, let me tell you that I am the author of my own obituary; so, if anyone reading this should find errors, please blame yours truly! Send me a text.

In 1965, I married my high school sweetheart, Patricia Amburn Silva, whom I always thought of as a giver and not a taker. She is the kindest, most caring person ever. She always put me first as well as other family members. I know, as I got older, I had a number of health problems; and although they were a huge burden, she never once complained. After being diagnosed with COPD and put on oxygen 24/7, she had to take over doing most of the heavy workload around the house, with help from other family members. I was the luckiest guy in the world to have her as my wife. Our 57-year marriage was definitely not perfect. She would tell you she was not the perfect wife, and I would say that I was not the perfect husband, but then again, who does have the perfect marriage? If we all looked back at our past, we would probably find something that we did wrong and wish we could reverse it. We always got through our troubles by talking through them.

I was a fan of all sports, especially baseball and college basketball. My wife and I were season ticket holders to the Connecticut Sun WNBA basketball team. I played in the Waterford Parks and Rec Softball League for many years. I faithfully followed the UConn women and men’s basketball teams. I was also an avid fan of NASCAR racing.

I was hired by the Connecticut Light and Power Co. in Essex, in August of 1970. In 1977, after CL&P moved its operations to Madison, I was promoted to the title of Eastern Regional Supervisor, engineering and operating records. In 1982, I transferred to the Millstone Nuclear Power Station and soon became the supervisor of the nuclear construction tools and equipment department. Prior to my retirement, I ultimately became part of the Northeast Nuclear Materials Management Group. I always felt that I was blessed with having great friends and supervisors while at Millstone. My many supervisors always treated me with great respect.

I was a deputy chief of the Oswegatchie Fire Company No. 4, and a member of the Waterford Fire Chief’s Association as well as the New London County Fire Chief’s Association. I was a member of the executive board at Oswegatchie, and held other positions such as 1st lieutenant and recording secretary.

I was also active in Waterford Youth Sports, helping to coach youth basketball, Little League South Baseball, and served on the board of directors of the Waterford Youth Football League. I took much pride in lining the youth football field with my close friends, Mike McBride and Kevin Pope. For many years I was the field maintenance chairman for Waterford Little League South Baseball and was also involved in Waterford North and South Girls’ Softball. I was also part of a two-man crew assisting with the installation and wiring for most of the original electronic scoreboards at Waterford South, including the Waterford youth football scoreboard. I also played a major role in the installation of the great-looking flagpole, designed by Henry Douton and the students of Grasso Tech. This flagpole still stands today in the center field area of Patterson Field at Waterford Little League South.

I also coached, and won a league championship, with my son’s Waterford Babe Ruth team and helped maintain that field as well. It was a great crew to work with, and we had a lot of fun doing it.

Bedsides my wife, I leave behind three great sons: my oldest Bill Silva Jr. and his wife Maureen, my second born Timothy and my youngest Peter and his wife Julie-Lynn. I was also blessed with eight grandchildren! Alexis, whom we always considered special, because she is our very first grandchild, is well on her way to becoming something great. Then came our second grandchild, Timothy Jr., whom we considered special because he is our first grandson who became a blessing in disguise because he has been able to do so much for us as we got older. Our third grandchild, Abigail, is also special because of her bubbly personality and her God-given musical voice. I enjoyed listening to her sing. Then came our fourth grandchild, Felicia, who is special for her kindness and caring personality, who one day aspires to become a physician. We also enjoyed watching Felicia play softball. Our fifth grandchild, Samantha, who also has a great singing voice, but also aspires to become an interior decorator. Sam can walk into a room full of junk and reorganize it to look as neat as a pin when she walks out. Our sixth, Carter, is just a wonderful, smart young man, who aspires to become a police officer like his Uncle Tim. Our seventh, Zoey, is a beautiful blue-eyed blonde, who is a very thoughtful and kind young lady whom you would be proud to be around. It wouldn’t surprise me if she grew up to be someone special. Our last, but not least grandchild is named Ivan. Now Ivan, being the youngest, is the apple of our eye. He has a full head of blonde curly hair and a personality to go with it. Since his dad is the fire chief of Gardner Lake Volunteer Fire Company, his favorite thing is playing with toy firetrucks. We were very blessed to have each and every one of them.

I wish to thank the many doctors who cared for me over the years, but especially Dr. David Golden and his longtime nurse Vickie B. who went above and beyond to help me with my many concerns, as well as their staff, for their sincere efforts concerning my health issues. I wish to also thank the VNA of Southern Connecticut, especially nurse Jackie and nurse Ashley, as well as PT Danielle for taking such good care of me during their many visits to my home. I love and respect you all!

Calling hours will be held from 10 a.m. to noon Wednesday June 1, at the Impellitteri-Malia Funeral Home, 84 Montauk Ave., New London, followed by a memorial service. Burial will follow at Jordan Cemetery. I would like to request my pallbearers to be as follows: Mickey Mantle, Yogi Berra, Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, Tom Brady and my wife’s favorite, Billy Martin! However, if any of them cannot make themselves available, then my wife has a list of my other choices.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Cactus

Jack Foundation, P.O. Box 145, Waterford, CT, 06385.