Melvin James Silva

Melvin James Silva, passed away July 16, 2022 at the age of 100. He was born in the outskirts of Petaluma, where he was raised & continued to live there all his life. He started out as a rancher, riding his beloved horse, “Nubbs”. He would race his horse at Kenilworth Racetrack where he claimed to have the fastest horse in town. Mel went on to serve in WWII Army Air Corps & upon his return, he found the love of his life, Betty. They had 4 daughter’s, 8 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren & 2 great-great grandchildren. Mel went into business with his uncle Bert and started Silva’s Appliance. He bought his uncle out in the early 60’s. He made a good living there that allowed him to travel with Betty to all corners of the world. Mel retired in the early 1980’s & had a very full life. Early on, he loved to ride his motorcycle where he & Betty would cruise along the coastline on his Harley. He had a love for dancing with the Cotillion’s dance group and boy could he ever jitterbug. Mel was an avid bowler on the Thursday night Silva’s Appliance team, where he won many trophies. Mel spent most of his weekends at Lake Berryessa, fishing, boating & water skiing. He also was an enthusiastic golfer and had a Tuesday golf group where he hacked his way through the course every week. Mel’s quick wit would have everyone laughing all the time. He was a member of the Petaluma Elks of Petaluma & in his retirement years, formed an RV group with close friends that called themselves “The Jackass’s”. He lived in the same house for 63 years, where he enjoyed gardening in his yard & watching the birds in his handmade feeders. In the last few years, you might’ve seen him scootering around Petaluma with his loving caregiver, Traci Long, by his side. You could never keep Mel still & he loved to get out & about. On his 100th birthday, the city of Petaluma, honored him by having a drive by parade at his home. Petaluma’s Mayor, Teresa Barrett, declared January 21, 2022 “Mel Silva Day” & awarded him a Proclamation in honor of turning 100. And on March 25, 2022, Supervisor David Rabbit, came to his home and presented him with a “Resolution” in congrats of turning 100. Mel was well known around the community and will be missed by all.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Mike & Mae Silva & wife Betty Silva; sadly, missed by his four daughters, Charleen Champion, Sherry Marincich, Tammy McCarthy (Chris) & Joanne Wolfson; grandchildren, Scott (Jessica) & Jon (Summer) Tiemann, Noah (Chelsea) & Shad Marincich, Tyler & Troy McCarthy, Steven & Rachel Wolfson; great-grandchildren, Tara, Tanner & Zachary Tiemann, Baxter Marin & Ciara Tiemann & his great-great-granddaughters Adelyn & Rilynn Guggiana.

Viewing will be Friday 7/29 at 10:00am at Parent-Sorensen Mortuary, 11:00 Chapel Service & Gravesite Blessing at noon. For those who would like to attend his celebration of life, are invited after the services to join us at the new Crooked Goat Brewery, 110 Howard St, Petaluma (partly owned by Mel’s grandson, Scott).

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