Obituary of Donald David Silva

Donald D. Silva of Santa Cruz, died on November 16, 2017, of congestive heart failure. He endured several years of severe back pain as a result of injuries and the work that he did throughout his life. A lifelong resident of Santa Cruz, Don played football and basketball at Santa Cruz High School and graduated in 1946. Don proudly served in the United States Navy on the U.S.S. Orca in the early 1950's. After serving in the Navy, he came back to California and had numerous jobs throughout the state. He returned to Santa Cruz and worked in the ice, milk, and bread delivery businesses. His commitment to public service led him to a twenty eight year career as an officer with the California Highway Patrol, serving in Indio, Hanford, San Jose and Santa Cruz. After his CHP retirement, Don was a patrol officer for over 17 years with the Santa Cruz Harbor Patrol.

Although Don never had children of his own, he was considered "father" and "grandfather" to those who had the privilege of having him fill that role in their lives.

Don married Joyce Rush in 1963 and was the step-father to Allan Rush, who died in 2007; Jacki Rush and Rick Rush. Joyce passed away in 1996.  Don married Betty Bollinger in 1998- and was the step-father to Shirrell Bollinger-Vinson (died in 1993); Laurie Goosev (Michael), Donnell Rock, and Shirley Baldwin (Dennis). Betty passed away in 2007.  Don married Patricia Andersen in 2009 and was the step-father to Gary Andersen (Suzanne), Ken Andersen (Trish), John Andersen (Sheryl), and Mickey Andersen (Kellie).  Don is also survived by numerous step grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Don was a kind, loyal and generous person; a frequent swimmer at the 41st Avenue Spa; a San Francisco Giants Fan; loved hearing and telling jokes and above all was a devout Catholic. His kind heart, his non­judgmental attitude, his eternal optimism and his love and unwavering support of his family will be missed, but never forgotten.

Visitation will be on Friday, November 24, 2017 between 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. at Benito & Azzaro  Pacific Gardens Chapel, 1050 Cayuga Street, Santa Cruz. A rosary will be held at 7:00 p.m. at the same location.  A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Saturday, November 25 at 11:30 a.m. at Saint Joseph's Catholic Church, 435 Monterey Avenue, Capitola. A reception and celebration of Don's life will be held following the service.  Private interment will be held on Monday, November 27.

Don's family prefers memorials to be given in his memory to Hospice of Santa Cruz County, or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. To express your condolences or share a remembrance with Don's family please visit www.pacificgardenschapel.com.