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Mr. John L. C. Silva, Jr., also known as “JOJO”, was born on September 18, 1929, in Boston, Massachusetts to Mr. John L. C. Silva, Sr. and Pauline Davis. He passed away on May 28, 2021 after a long battle with cancer.
John’s father was Portuguese and helped many immigrants from his country get acclimated in the United States of America. His mother Pauline Davis was from Richmond, Virginia and had come to Boston where she met his dad. His parents purchased a home on McGee Street in Cambridge MA where he resided until moving to the South End of Boston. Both parents preceded him in death.
While growing up in Cambridge, he attended Cambridge Ringe and Latin High School and earned his Certificate of Completion. After high school John enlisted in the Army Branch of the Military. During his time in the military he gave birth to a daughter whom he later found after many years and began a family relationship.
After leaving the service, he continued to reside in Cambridge taking care of his family. He began working at the Revere Sugar Refinery in Charlestown MA and remained there for over 20 years. While there, he became the Shop Steward and managed many ships coming into port. Some of the ships were as large as several football fields. He would get orders ready daily for his staff and ensure they were ready. After years at this company, which he loved, they discovered many of the workers on these ships were those of immigrants trying to find a better way of life in the U.S. The company had to shut down shortly after that discovery which forced him to find employment elsewhere. He later found a position at the Veteran’s Hospital in Jamaica Plain MA as a Manager in the Maintenance Department where is remained until he retired at the age of 65.
In 1960 he met a young lady named Helen Benbow who resided on Worcester Street in Boston MA. Helen came to Boston from Greelyville NC in search of employment opportunities. They began a relationship and were married on November 3, 1962 via a small ceremony of close friends. Once married they relocated to the Bromley Heath Housing Development where they begain raising their children.
JoJo was a proud young man who carried himself in a very professional, clean cut manner at all times. He was well liked by everyone who encountered him. There was never a time when you would see him out of character. Once the family starting growing they were relocated to a larger unit to accommodate the family. In 1963 his wife was exposed to a woman with Rubella which caused complications for her delivery with one of her children. This caused complications with the child’s growth, etc. and the state realized that they could not take care of the child properly and he was removed at the age of five, which brought sorrow to the family.
John was an excellent provider for his family. He made sure homework was done, chores were completed and made the family stick together at all times and attend Church. He was very much a father who pushed sports in the house. He was at every track meet, basketball game or graduation and made it a big event for the family. There was always a card presented from him no matter how big or small the event. Birthdays were the big gathering for us. He would sit at the head of the table and I quote: “Today we are gathered here to celebrate ……….. let’s give him/her a round of applause” and this was the same for Thanksgiving, which we will truly miss!
John had a passion for playing pool and was really good at it. He had his own pool stick, which had a gold ball on it and that was always the main attraction of the stick. Playing cards was another family tradition. He loved to play spades and rarely lost. He was always well dressed when he left the house. He did not like hats as he did not want his hair out of place or risking it being messed up.
To Grandfather, may the King rest in peace! Your grandson Tyrone Silva.
Heaven has gained an ANGEL who will look over us until we meet again!
John is Survived by his wife Helen Silva of Brockton MA, Children: Joan Rice-LaLiberte and husband Jim, of Weston FL., Veter Benbow, of Greeleyville SC, Deborah Banks of Brockton, Carl Benbow (preceded him in death), Jo-Ann Silva-Winbush and husband Sean of Brockton MA, John L. C. Silva, III, of Boston MA, Pauline Silva of Boston MA, Joseph Silva and wife Shaundre of Charlotte NC, Robert Silva of Boston, Joan Silva of Boston, Loretta Silva and husband Michael Vann of Boston. God Daughter Jeanne Louise Washington and God Son Ronald Jones of Cambridge. Along with 48 Grandchildren, 57 Great Grandchildren; 7 Great Great Grandchildren, and a host of family and friends.
His sense of family and bonding will be carried on by the family per his last wishes forever!
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