Edmund Silva of Oak Bluffs died on February 5, 2012, at Massachusetts General Hospital, shortly before his 81st birthday.
Mr. Silva was born March 15, 1931, in Vineyard Haven to Antone and Clara Silva, one of 13 children.
Mr. Silva served in the United States Army during the Korean War. Edmund was a decorated war veteran with many medals to show for his service. He was a humble man who spoke very little of his recognition and accomplishments. Eddie held many jobs on Martha’s Vineyard and was known throughout the Island.
Eddie was good at almost everything he set his mind to, and he was known and beloved by people on the Island. He would often volunteer to assist someone in need of learning new skills, fixing a problem, learning to fish, hunt, ride horses or singing the blues. He was known as the Blues-Master and the Mud-Man.
Mr. Silva lived with his wife Wenonah (Madison/Vandal) in Vineyard Haven, and built their home in Aquinnah. Wenonah died in 1992. He later married Barbra Taylor of Princeton, N.J., until her death. He returned to Martha’s Vineyard in the summer of 2007.
Edmund is survived by his daughter, Carole, step-sons David and Paul Vandal, and brothers Arthur and Ralph Silva. He has many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and people who loved him dearly.
A memorial service will be held at a later date.
