John Rudy Silva, age 85, passed away early Wednesday morning, February 10, 2010, after a short, but courageous battle with pneumonia. He was an endearing father, grand-father, and uncle to many. John was born on September 9, 1924, in Point Loma, California, to Manuel and Mary Silva (Montierro-Rickenberg). During World War II, he proudly served as an Army Unit Supply Specialist attached to a trucking outfit in the Philippines. John was a pioneer in the San Diego commercial tuna fishing industry for 44 years prior to his retirement in the early 1980s, John worked on a number of boats, co-owning both the Southern Pacific and the Mary Lou, and was known throughout the local community. In spring of 1954, he met and married the love of his life, Mary Giacalone (Silva), of Little Italy, California. Together they raised two sons, John Jr. and Paul, and had the pleasure of loving five grandchildren: Nicole, Michael, Matthew, Kristopher, and Audra. After his wife's death in 2001, John resided with his son Paul until he met and married Betty Smashey (Silva) of Crest, California, who he loved dearly, in 2008. John will be remembered for his love of life, which was always accompanied by his famous smile. John loved to tell jokes and to laugh, to share a good meal with family and friends, and to dance. He was a lifetime member of the Elks Lodge where he made many friends and was well liked. John will also be remembered by his love for cars and for always being well dressed. He was truly a man of many abilities and he will be missed by all. John is survived by his wife Betty and beloved family of Crest; his sisters Virginia (Julio) Guidi and Betty (Mario) Sanfilippo both of Point Loma; his sons John Jr. (Linda) and Paul (Deborah) both of San Diego; his grandchildren Nicole (Ryan) Skopek of Texas; Michael, Matthew, Kristopher, and Audra of San Diego. We love you and will miss your vibrant presence in our lives!!! May you rest in peace as you watch us from Heaven. Visitation and Viewing will be held on Friday, February 12th, at Merkley Mitchell Mortuary at 3655 5th Avenue from 4-7 p.m. Funeral Mass will be held at Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church, 1629 Columbia Street, on Saturday, February 13th, at 9 a.m. Procession to follow at Holy Cross Cemetery.

Source:
San Diego Union-Tribune, February 11, 2010