Manuel DeSilva

Manuel “Sonny" DeSilva of Boston was born on May 11,1939 to the Late Dominga and Manuel DeSilva of Cape Verde. Sonny attended the Sherwin school, St Francis DeSales, and Boston Trade School. He received his High School Diploma from Boston clerical School in Roxbury.

When he was a young boy, he worked in his father's grocery store and also helped on his uncle's Ice truck. He was an alter boy and choir boy at St. Richards Church. He was drafted into the United States Army and served as an Honor guard during President Kennedy's term in office.

He then went on to become a union carpenter and worked for Boston Housing Authority. Sonny was very outgoing, one of his favorite things was to help inner city youth of all ages through the Y.E.S Program. He loved taking them on various trips outside of the city, to go bike riding, skiing, fishing to name a few. Sonny also likes to travel and venture into the world himself. One of his many great trips was to the Swiss Alps, where he was able to ski down a mountain while being in three different countries at once. Sonny had several famous quotes, but those who know him knew he mostly ended conversations with his famous “Amen“, when talking to loved ones and friends.

Sonny spent his final years in Canton Mass, where he resided with his beloved girlfriend Dianne of 12 years. During that time and many years before that he would call his dearest friend/brother since childhood John “Brother“ Cruz every morning at 6 AM, not only to be his personal alarm clock but to also check in and strengthen a bond that time or death can never be broken between them . Sonny also leaves behind other close friends such as Joseph, Leslie, Manny. That network of friends would grow in his involvement with the Roxbury Homecoming Committee with longtime friends Alfreda Harris, Snookie Roberta, the Late Sister Jordan, Evevlyn, The Scotts Family, and many others.

Sonny loved family functions/gatherings with his sister, nieces, and nephews. He would always attend any graduations, cookouts, parties, and weddings. He was always there in support of the people he cherished dearly to live, laugh and love in all those great times.

Along with Sonny’s parents; Dominga and Manuel DeSilva, he is also predeceased by his sister Marie Sylvia DeSilva Mack.

Sonny is survived by his life partner Dianne Lynge, Sisters: Phyllis DeSilva-Pearson, Gloria Jolley, Carol DeSilva, brother-in-laws: Leonard Pearson Sr. and Kenneth Mack Sr., nephews: Kenneth Mack Jr. (wife Sharon), Frederick DeSilva (wife Janet), Tyrone DeSilva, Brian DeSilva, David “Scott” DeSilva (wife Karen), Leonard Pearson Jr., Nieces: Angela Mack, Stacey Mack, Renee Jolley, Monique DeSilva (who is also his Godchild), Godson/nephew  Justin Cruz, Cousin Mazinyah and Alberto Pina along with Yvonne and Russell Davis and a host of great nephew and nieces as well. Sonny was truly loved by many and will always be missed and celebrated by all the people he touched.

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