Manuel Silva

Manuel Silva, age 88, passed away peacefully Saturday, December 9, 2023, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Manuel was born in Corrales, New Mexico on November 22, 1935, to the late Solomon and Alice Silva. In addition to his parents, Manuel was predeceased by his wife of 63 years, Bertha (Rivera) Silva, and siblings Julie Lucero Rouse and Rudy Lucero.

Manuel grew up on the family farm and as the eldest son, he learned how to work the land and manage the farm. He graduated from Bernalillo High School in 1955. Manuel met his future wife and the love of his life, Bertha, at a high school dance and they were married on September 27, 1958. They were married for 63 years until her death in 2021. Manuel was employed by ADT, which brought the family to Houston in 1970, where they raised their four daughters. In 1978, Manuel realized his dream of owning his own business so he opened a Farmers Insurance agency with Bertha by his side. They proudly called it the Silva Insurance Agency, which he grew throughout his 25-year career until his retirement in 2003.

Manuel was an avid hunter, angler, and loved working with his hands. He could build or fix anything! As an enthusiastic Houston sports fan, he enjoying watching the Astros, Rockets, and Oilers. Manuel was dedicated to a life of service. He served his community as an election judge for many years and was a regular blood donor. When his daughters wanted to play softball, but there were no teams for them to play on, Manuel got together with other parents to form a girls’ softball league, which became the Sta-Mo Softball League.

Manuel and Bertha loved their church community, Holy Family Catholic Church in Missouri City. Manuel was involved in the Finance Council, the Buildings and Grounds Committee, and served on the parish Pastoral Council for a number of years, supporting the growing church. Manuel and Bertha were involved in the coordination of the annual church bazaar for many years. He was a proud member of the 3rd Degree Knights of Columbus, Council #7728 for 35 years and a Sir Knight in the 4th Degree for the Bishop John L. Morkovsky Assembly #2243 for 24 years.

Manuel’s life was filled with hard work and a deep love for his family. He leaves behind his daughters: Linda Badger and her husband Craig of Blacklick, Ohio; Sandra Talbott and her husband John of Sugar Land; Kathy Miles and her husband Phillip of Fischer; and Carla Arcuri and her husband Michael of Missouri City. His beloved grandchildren: Jennifer Potts, Jessica Chokreff, Jake Badger, Stephanie Talbott, Paige Hitchcock, Allison Talbott, Rebecca Miles, Jacob Miles, Madeline Arcuri, and Kathryn Arcuri; great-granddaughter Camila Chokreff and a great-granddaughter and great-grandson who are due in early 2024. He is also survived by his sisters Agnes Jackson, Lydia Kavanaugh, Mary Travis, Carmen Rhodes, Helen Thomas, and brothers Robert Silva, Tony Silva, Daniel Lucero, many nieces, nephews, and great friends.

The family would like to lovingly acknowledge the staff at The Reserve at First Colony and Aaryn Hospice for their generosity of care that was always evident to the end.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, December 26 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the chapel at Earthman Southwest Funeral Home, 12555 South Kirkwood Road in Stafford, with the Recitation of the Holy Rosary at 7:00 p.m.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, December 27 at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Family Catholic Church, 1510 5th Street in Missouri City.

The Rite of Committal will follow, via funeral procession, to Davis Greenlawn Memorial Park Cemetery in Rosenberg.