Silva, Sr., Charles E. embarked on the final adventure in a long and spirited life when he died July 18, 2012 at the age of 92 at Delmar Gardens in Smyrna, GA. Charlie, as everyone knew him, was married for 57 years to Elizabeth (Liz) Silva, who died in 2000. He is survived by son and daughter-in-law Charles E. Silva, Jr., and Katie Kolar Silva, of Smyrna, and daughter and son-in-law Mary Silva Ehrlich and Kenneth Ehrlich, of Cincinnati, Ohio. He also leaves behind four grandchildren, Charles E. Silva III, Katherine Silva, Christopher Rosenthal and Sara Rosenthal.
Charlie was especially proud of his service to his country as an Army Air Force Tech Sergeant in World War II. He earned seven bronze stars as a member of the 45th Bomb Squadron that served in the Pacific Theater. Over several years, his flight combat unit led many successful missions, earning the title The Bombs Away Bastards. Born in St. Louis, MO, Charlie joined the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis immediately after graduation from high school in 1937. Over the course of his 40 year career with the bank, he worked his way up from mail clerk to Senior Vice President and head of operations. After retiring in 1977, he focused his energy and dedication to his faith in serving his church. He was an active parishioner, volunteer, and Eucharistic minister at Our Lady of Loretto Catholic Church in Spanish Lake. He eventually followed his son to Atlanta, where he continued his church commitment as a Eucharistic minister and dedicated volunteer at All Saints Catholic Church in Dunwoody, GA, and at Mary our Queen Church in Peachtree Corners.
Charlie was a friend to countless fellow parishioners, always willing to share his time, his sense of humor and his compassion and kindness with all who knew him. An avid traveler, Charlie visited nearly every state in the Union and many countries overseas. He loved sharing his travels with his children and grandchildren, who found it a challenge to keep up with him, even in his later years. His love for life, family and friends will be well remembered, and sorely missed.
Services: A memorial Mass will be held Monday, August 6, at 10 a.m. at St. Thomas the Apostle Church in Smyrna, GA, with a private burial following. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Vincent DePaul Society, c/o St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 4300 King Springs Road, Smyrna, GA 30082.
1920 - 2012 (92 years)
Siblings
. Mary T. SILVA, b. Abt 1946 (Age 78 years)
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