Joseph Allan Silva was born to David and Elta Silva on February 3, 1966 at Hazel Hawkins Hospital in Hollister, CA and passed away peacefully on March 5, 2024 at his home in Sparks, NV.
Joe was a very bright child who loved counting train cars and had the United States Presidents memorized at a very young age. Joe attended kindergarten in Hollister before moving to Westwood, CA with his parents and two younger sisters, Jamie and Jodie in 1972.
Joe attended Fletcher Walker Elementary School and graduated from Westwood High School, Class of 1984 and was class Valedictorian. As a child, Joe played Little League and was on the wrestling team. In high school Joe played basketball, football and ran track. He participated in the Academic Olympics and was chosen to go to Boys State as a junior among many other honors. He was also a talented trumpet player in the high school band and received the John Philip Souza award.
Joe started his career as a United States Postal Worker in Westwood, CA in 1988. He worked there until he transferred in 1991 to Sparks, NV. Joe was second in seniority in the Reno/Sparks Post Office when he passed.
Joe was a lifelong Raider fan, Oakland, Los Angeles, Las Vegas; it did not matter where they were. He loved his 80’s rock and roll. He was an amazing Uncle and Great Uncle. Joe took his nephews to WWE wrestling, out for sushi and was known for handing out cash on birthdays and Christmas. He traveled to watch his nephews and niece play sports and attended their livestock auctions. He bought educational toys for his great niece and great nephew but made sure they were loud toys as well.
Joe enjoyed working out and hiking. He and his best friend Jen had been on many adventures seeing new places and looking for waterfalls. They loved to “get in the car and go!”
Joe was preceded in death by his mother Elta, his grandparents and many cousins. He is survived by his father David of Westwood CA, sisters Jamie (Warren) Wilson of Palomino Valley, NV and Jodie Gunn (Jay Stewart) of Westwood CA, his best friend Jennifer Linville of Sparks, NV and Finley their dog. Nephews Gabriel, Jordan, Christian (Zoe), Lance Donat and Kasen Gunn, niece Maddyn Gunn, great niece Hayden Donat and great nephew Miles Donat.
A Celebration of his Life will be held, Friday, March 22, 2024 at MidSparks Events Center, 1745 Sullivan Lane, Sparks NV @ 5:00 pm.
