Antonio (Tony) Miranda Silva joined his father, Antonio G. Silva, on May 13, 2021 at the age of 61 years. His final days were spent peacefully and joyfully surrounded by his children and mother at his daughter’s home in Madera, CA. His only request in his final months was to sit and watch his grandchildren play and to visit with his children.
Tony was born in Angra do Heroismo, Terceira, Azores on November 13, 1959 to Antonio G. Silva and Fatima Miranda Silva. He grew up in Terceira until he was seven years old when he and his parents immigrated to the USA, first living in Escalon, CA. Through adulthood he lived with his parents in Escalon, Banta and Tracy, CA. He continued his life in California with his children, residing through the years in Tracy, Modesto, Ballico, Le Grand and Madera.
Tony knew he wanted to be part of the dairy industry “working with the cows” at a young age - from farming with family in the old country to spending summers with uncles pushing cows in the Central Valley. He officially became a milker at 16 years old and promoted to a herdsman working with his mentor, Lino Bacchetti, at Bacchetti & Silva Dairy in Tracy, CA. He continued his career as a herdsman, then to own his own cows, drive milk and hay trucks, work at a cheese plant, and eventually end his work life at Direct Dairy Transport in Hilmar, CA as a Dispatcher.
On most days you could find Tony doing what he loved - sitting with friends or family talking about life, music, telling stories or just laughing to laugh. He almost always had a smile on his face and could turn any boring situation into a party, especially when shoulder-dancing to Sniff ‘n’ the Tears! He loved sharing about his current job, growing up in the old country and working with the cows. His passion for working with dairy cows ran deep in his soul and his memories and experiences from a young child until death, drove his strength and desire to get better, be healthier and continue to thrive. He also shared with his children his love of going to the movies and sweet treats (Reese's Peanut Butter Cups to Strawberry Milk and Sunny Delight!) that he often brought home after work.
He will be lovingly missed and remembered by his children: Bobbi-Sue Fraser (Chad Hunter) of Le Grand, CA, Megan (Carlos) Topete of Le Grand, CA, Samuel (Valen) Silva of Los Banos, CA, Jesse (Chad) Bower of Madera, CA, Guillermo Silva of Modesto, CA, and Antonio Silva of Modesto, CA; grandchildren David (Cowboy) Fraser, Winnie Fraser, Logan Silva, Wyatt Silva, Paisley Bower, Jackson Topete, Lane Bower, Hank Hunter, and Henry Silva; mother Fatima Miranda Silva of Tracy, CA; as well as numerous relatives, near and far, and friends.
Tony was sadly preceded in death by his father, Antonio G. Silva among other close aunts, uncles and cousins.
Tony loved his children and his grandchildren very much, and he gained lots of joy from watching them play and just be together. As an only child, he was very close to his mother; talking to her daily and visiting as much as possible. His passion for the dairy industry and love for portuguese traditions like making linguica, going to bullfights and going to festas will be missed and remembered, and continued through his close friends and family.
A Rosary will be held at 9:00 a.m., on Thursday, May 27, 2021, at Whitehurst-Nortan-Dias Funeral Services 286 W Main St, Turlock, CA 95380. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, there is a maximum capacity of 40 people for the Rosary at Whitehurst-Norton-Dias. A Mass will be held at 12:00 p.m. Thursday, May 27, 2021, at St. Bernard Catholic Church 165 W Eaton Ave, Tracy, CA 95376 and a burial will follow at the Tracy Public Cemetery District 501 W Schulte Rd, Tracy, CA 95376.
