Augusto L. Silva

   Augusto L. Silva, 86, of Lakeland, Florida, passed away peacefully on April 29, at Valencia Hills Rehabilitation Center.
   
Born in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, he was the son of the late Augusto Silva and Celia (Stauff) Silva. “Gus” resided in Cumberland, RI, for several decades before moving to Lakeland.

Gus was very much loved by his family, and is survived by his daughters Lynn (Ross), Janice (Bryant), and Lisa (Platt); his son Joseph Silva; eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his wife Faye (Schumacher), daughter Judith (Varone), and his dog Dunkin’.
He was a U.S. Air Force Veteran, who proudly served America for twelve years, in several countries around the world. Gus also served in the Rhode Island National Guard for several years, as the Editor of The National Guard newspaper, ‘The Rhody Guardsman’. As the leader of the Disabled American Veterans in his state, Gus held the title of Rhode Island DAV Commander during America’s Bicentennial year.

Gus was a devout Christian man who faithfully served The Lord. While in the Air Force, he earned many awards and citations for his work as the President of the Holy Name Society, as well as for his work in the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, among others.

Gus studied Psychology at U.S. Armed Forces Institute, and earned his college Business degree at Providence College. He held management positions in various companies such as Mini-Systems, Hunt Chemical, and the U.S. Postal System.

He loved music and played accordion, an instrument that he learned while stationed in Germany in the 1950’s. Gus also sang as a baritone vocalist in various adult choruses. He enjoyed attending air-shows to watch The Thunderbirds and The Blue Angels teams, as well as watching NASCAR, and whichever football team Tom Brady was quarterbacking for. Gus will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to a Christian Burial Service with Military Honors for Augusto L. Silva, on Wednesday, May 4th, at 2pm, at Lakeland Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens, 2125 Bartow Rd, Lakeland, FL. 33801.

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