Leroy Joseph "Lee" Silva's Obituary
On January 9, 2025, we lost our beloved father, grandfather, brother, uncle, Nino, cousin, and friend. He passed away after a sudden and brief battle with liver cancer.
He was born on April 26, 1947 in Durango, Colorado to Rose Martinez and Paul Silva. His family moved to Payson, UT his senior year in high school where he graduated from Payson High and continued his education while in the army.
He was honored to serve in the army during the Vietnam era. He worked for the Veteran Affairs Medical Center (VA) and was passionate about caring for our veterans as a social worker in the mental health field for 35 years. After he retired, he found fulfillment working for Neil O'Donnell Funeral Home and was grateful for their support and kindness. He also found happiness volunteering at St Joseph’s Villa in his later years.
He was a devout member of the Catholic Church, served as a lector, eucharistic minister, church environmental decorator, teacher, and participate in numerous other events. The love of his parish family provided him with energy and support during trying times.
His greatest joy was fatherhood, being a grandpa, and his family and friends continual presence in his life. You could always count on him to open his home to come together and share his love of music, laughing, dancing, the abundance of food, baked goods and so much more. He was known for making special cakes for everyone’s birthday.
Survived by his two children; Monica and Andrew, three grandchildren; Joshua, Valencia and Isaiah, spouse and friend; Alyce. Siblings Tob (Lena), Les, Louise (Stan), Marcella (Tom), Sharon, Dora (Memo), Lonnie (Linda), Lupe and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins who will carry Lee’s memory forward with love.
Preceded in death by his Grandma Vazques, his mother Rose, brother’s Donald, Richard, Pab, Michael, nieces, nephews and cousins who were there to welcome him home.
Special thanks to our mother Alyce Silva who never left our father’s side. She was a caregiver, friend, confidant and constant source of strength and comfort for us all. Our father asked us to express his gratitude and respect for her unwavering love for our family.
Our appreciation to his goddaughter Pam who holds a special place in his heart and his dear friend Luis, both of whom were always present in his life and loved him dearly.
Our dad will always be remembered for his loyalty and love for his family and friends. Belief in family traditions, storyteller, memory keeper, talent for finding and collecting hidden treasures to enhance his home. Enjoyed traveling, meeting, and making new friends… and such a classy dresser.
Our family extends our heartfelt gratitude to the University of Utah Hospital and the amazing doctors and staff of Huntsman Cancer Institute for their unwavering determination and perseverance in caring for our dad. We also want to acknowledge Courtney Sedillo, APRN for her kindness and care. We will always be grateful to all those who cared and supported him throughout his journey. Thank You!
The viewing will be held in his honor on Tuesday, January 21st, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at
Neil O’Donnell Funeral Home, 372 E 100 South, Salt Lake City, UT 84111.
Funeral Services will take place on Wednesday, January 22nd, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 1058 W 400 South, Salt Lake City, UT 84104.
Graveside services at Mt Calvary Catholic Cemetery, 275 U Street, Salt Lake City, UT 84103 following funeral mass services. Luncheon to follow at St. Patrick’s Church Social Hall where we invite you to come and share thoughts and stories.
~ I hold you tightly within my heart and there you will remain ~
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