Richard E. Silva

May 13, 1956 - December 30, 2022

Richard Edward Silva passed away unexpectedly at his home in Tustin, CA on December 30, 2022. He was born in San Francisco to Richard S. and Ruth G. Silva, and grew up in San Mateo, CA.

Richard enjoyed baseball and was active in San Mateo Little League, playing on the Cubs, Colts and Indians teams. He attended Aragon High School, where he developed a taste for the stage and participated in school theatricals. He graduated from Cañada College with a degree in Dramatic Arts, then attended U.C. Berkeley, after which he headed to New York to attend the Lee Strasberg School. Richard later moved to Southern California, with aspirations of an acting career. When such did not appear forthcoming, he entered the medical field and graduated from Valley College of Medical and Dental Careers in 1985 as a Certified Respiratory Therapy Technician. He was employed at Barlow Hospital in Los Angeles County from 1986 to 1990, at which time he decided to continue his education. He graduated from U.C. Long Beach in 1993.

From 1993 until his passing, Richard was employed at Kindred Hospital Westminster in Orange County as a respiratory therapist, where he worked with colleagues he came to love as family; particularly, Georgia, Rejane, and Lilly.

Richard was intelligent, personable, and had a mischievous sense of humor, and he will be greatly missed. He is survived by his father, Richard S. Silva, his sister, Sandra Silva Fisher, and his formidable orange tabby cat, Hank.