Jose Angel Silva

Mr. Jose A. Silva was born in the back of his father’s grocery store, in South El Paso, ninty years ago. The grocery store was founded in South El Paso in the early 1900’s. He attended Aoy Elementary School and graduated from Bowie High School in 1942, working and living in his father’s grocery store. He married his high school sweetheart, Carmen Barragan Silva.

Jose was a distinguished veteran of WWII. He served under General George Patton’s Third Army, Fourth Armored Division landing in the Normandy invasion of Europe and fighting alongside his comrades-in-arms. He served with the 489th Anti-Aircraft Artillery unit and fought in the Battle of the Bulge. During his service he received various medals including: American Theatre Campaign Medal, EAME Campaign Medal with 5 Bronze Stars, a Distinguished Unit Badge for 296 confirmed Luftwaffe shoot downs including two jets, numerous Victory Ribbons, 1 Service Stripe, and 3 Overseas Bars. He was honorably discharged from the U.S Army after 4 years of military service.

Jose joined with his father to locate the first Silva’s Supermarket on busy South Stanton Street in 1954. He was also a founding Director of Tri-State Associated Grocers in 1955, which was one of the largest independent grocers warehouse serving West Texas and Southern New Mexico. He served as Treasurer of Tri-State’s Board for three years. In 1980, Jose was a founding Director of KINT-TV Channel 26, which at the time, was the largest Hispanic owned television station in the United States.

Over the decades, Mr. Jose Silva received numerous awards and honors from Veteran groups, schools and the Bowie Alumni Association. He has received recognition for his achievements and contributions, but most meaningful to him were his tireless efforts to help individuals; with money for tuition or education, or meeting the many humanitarian needs never publically acknowledged. Jose was instrumental in organizing and underwriting the Bear Monument at the campus of Bowie High School. He was Bowie’s 1991 Outstanding Ex.

He was preceded in death by his parents Jose Felix and Elvira Silva and his brother, Martin Silva (whose B-19 was shot down over Cologne, Germany, on his 33rd flight over German territory, receiving a Silver Medal). Jose’s greatest accomplishment was his family. Jose is survived by his wife, Carmen B. Silva and his children; Martin and Jo Anne Silva, Jose A. Silva, Jr. and Cindy and Robert Manzanares. He is also survived by his seven grandchildren and their spouses; Lisa Rascon (Alex), Martin James Silva (Tricia), Monica Morales (Roy), Cristina Silva (Dan Dearborn), Jose A. Silva,III, Sara Silva, Cynthia Lopez. He was also blessed with five great-grandchildren; Aidan, Maura, Demetri, Victoria and Martin Cristian. He is also survived by his sister, Maria Luisa Holguin.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, August 28, 2012 from 5:00PM to 9:00PM, with a Vigil Service at 7:00PM at Martin Funeral Home West. Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, August 29, 2012 at 11:30AM at St. Patrick Cathedral, 1118 N. Mesa. Interment will follow at Ft. Bliss National Cemetery, with military honors.

We would like to thank the staff at Royal Estates Assisted Living, Hospice of El Paso and especially his caregivers; Lupita Alvarado and Claudia Castro.

In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the Wounded Warrior Project at www.woundedwarriorproject.org. Services entrusted to Martin Funeral Home West, 128 N. Resler Dr. El Paso, TX 79912. www.MartinFuneralHomeWest.com