He was born on June 23, 1946, in Kingsburg, California, to Frank and Vera Silva.
Ron was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Vera Silva; his brother, Don Silva; his sister-in-law, Carol Silva-Castelo; and his godson, Travis Andrews.
Ron is survived by his wife of 56 years, Janie, as well as their children and their families: daughter Reneé Morrison, her husband Kevin, and granddaughter Nicolette; son Bret, his fiancée Donna Lynn; son Donnie, his wife Laura, and grandchildren Parker and Savannah; and son Ronnie, his wife Kayla, and grandchildren Brayden, Braxon, Beau, and Rivalee. He encouraged all his children to have a walk of faith and made sure they attended weekly Sunday Mass growing up.
He will be deeply missed by his sister Anna Mae Tatosian and her husband Robert; his nephew Jordan Tatosian, his wife Holly, and their daughters Brooklyn and Alexandra; his sister, Carol Ann Silva, and great-nephews Bradley and Jackson. He also leaves behind his nieces, Donnette Carter and Lisa Majarian, along with Lisa’s husband Paul and their children Ryan, Rebecca, and Rachel.
Ron is also survived by his sisters-in-law and their families: Mark and Judi Deffenbacher and Ray and Janet Cotton, as well as countless friends and extended family members.
Ron fondly remembered his childhood in Laton, where he learned the values of hard work, farming, and faith. Growing up on a dairy, he developed a strong work ethic that shaped the course of his life. Laton always held a special place in Ron’s heart. It was there that he discovered his love for football and joined FFA, where he honed his leadership and public speaking skills.
At the end of his junior year in high school, Ron moved with his family to Easton, where he took on the role of head of the household. Together with his mother and sisters, Anna Mae and Carol Ann, Ron formed an unbreakable bond that remained strong throughout his life.
While attending Washington Union High School, Ron excelled in football, wrestling, and FFA. It was during this time that he built lifelong friendships and met his future wife, Janie Peelman.
In his early adult years, Ron worked for Coelho & Gunner Cattle Company and Hesston. These experiences deepened his passion for the mountains, working cattle, and the solitude of the range. He often described being atop a horse as one of the greatest sources of peace and purpose in his life.
In 1976, Ron’s late mother-in-law, Martha, encouraged him to explore a career in real estate—and the rest is history. Over nearly 50 years, Ron built a trusted reputation in the San Joaquin Valley as a real estate professional specializing in farm, ranch, and suburban properties. Guided by his faith, Ron approached his work with honesty, integrity, and a genuine commitment to serving others. For him, real estate was not just about transactions but about building lasting relationships and reflecting his deeply held values.
Ron became an active member of his community including being a member of the CPDES Hall, where he took immense pride in celebrating and preserving his Portuguese heritage. He served as President for 13 years, during which he contributed significantly to fostering community and culture.
A protective and compassionate father & spouse, Ron created a loving, safe, and secure home for his family. Although he was strict with his children, this all turned around when he became a Grandpa. Suddenly all the rules changed. He and Janie hosted many cousin sleepovers where the grandchildren created memories that will last a lifetime - gator rides, swimming, and playing outside among the walnut trees. Ron enjoyed watching them grow up and attended their many sporting and school events.
As you can see he lived a full life, and we will miss him dearly.
In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made in honor of Ron at two of his favorite organizations:
Washington Union High School - FFA Chapter
Ron Silva FFA Jacket Memorial Fund
6041 S. Elm Avenue, Fresno, CA 93706
559-495-5680
C.P.D.E.S. Portuguese Hall of Fresno
172 W. Jefferson Avenue, Fresno, Ca. 93706
559-970-5808
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