Thomas Anthony Silva

Thomas Anthony Silva, age 69, passed away in Santa Rosa on January 7, 2021. Tom was born in Hayward, CA on September 19,1951 to Doris and Louis Silva, joining his sister Diane and brother Ron, and followed by his brother Louie into the family.

Tom had a unique, always thoughtful and often hilarious perspective on life. Although his working career was spent in customer service management at AT&T, his roles-of-a-lifetime were as an artist, a loving husband, and the best dad ever to Maureen and Joel -- his most cherished of accomplishments and who he loved beyond measure. Tom had true brilliance and talent as a ceramics artist, creating beautiful pottery forms, glazes and designs. He loved birds, and they were often his art subjects. His humor was razor sharp, gently sarcastic, but never mean spirited. His kindness and empathy for not only his family and friends, but for anyone he knew, was legendary. We, his family, miss him so very much, but know that he is now beyond pain, enfolding all of us with comfort and care for the rest of our lives. He is certainly creating spectacular pottery wherever he is, with a smile on his face and a twinkle in his eyes.

Tom leaves behind his wife, Pat Silva of Santa Rosa, daughter Maureen Silva (Curt) of Alameda, son Joel Silva of Sacramento and grandson, Odin Liljedahl of Alameda as well as his brothers, Ron Silva (Patty), Louie Silva (Sandy), brother-in-law Bill George, his nieces and nephews, and lifelong friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, Doris Silva and Louie Silva Sr., and sister, Diane George.

Tom’s ultimate resting place is still to be decided, but will be on the winds of one of the beautiful places that he loved in California.