Paul F. Silva, 86, a lifelong, proud resident of Milford, NH died suddenly on Tuesday, December 27, 2022 at St. Joseph hospital.

He was born July 9, 1936 on Union Street in Milford, NH, son of the late Joseph and Edna (Talbot) Silva. Paul was predeceased by his brother J.Donald Silva and sister Marsha Ingraham. He is survived by sister Gail Silva of Hawaii and brother Carl Silva of CA (formerly Mont Vernon NH).

Paul graduated from Milford Senior High in 1954 and joined the USAF. After completing his contract, Paul attended Keene State Teachers College and graduated in 1963. While at Keene he met Brenda Joyce Parker of Kingston, NH and they were wed June 1963.

Paul taught woodworking, metals and electricity shop through the 1960s at Wilton/Lyndeborough high school. Paul and Brenda bought their first apartment building in 1969 to hone their renovation skills and provide extra income. They became licensed in real estate. Paul received and maintained his master electrician’s license. Shortly thereafter they decided to make a permanent move from education into property management. A dedicated entrepreneur and go-getter, Paul established Silva Properties and proudly built the family business alongside his equally skilled wife, Brenda. Their teamwork and success are evident in their thriving business, still operating in Milford today.

Paul has one daughter Brenda, married to Mario A Gonzalez. Mario and Brenda worked alongside Paul, learning the business and were blessed with the two biggest joys of Paul’s life, his grandsons Nathaniel and Noah (of Amherst, NH). His favorite pastime was riding around in his well-known red truck with the boys who lovingly referred to him as ‘Papa’. He was extremely proud of both Nathaniel, an active-duty Senior Airman in the USAF, and Noah, a senior at the University of New Hampshire.

Paul was widowed in June of 2010. At that time, he and Brenda had begun to travel the world. He continued pursuing their dream with many global adventures. After every Christmas for almost 25 years, he visited his beloved island of Madeira. Throughout the rest of the year, he was on the go, touring the globe. You could find him on a camel in Egypt, in the outback of Australia, walking the Great Wall of China, or riding a train in the Swiss alps. Springtime would have brought him to see the tulip blossoms in the Netherlands. Should he be at home, he loved trading stories as friends stopped by for an afternoon cocktail and to gaze at the most beautiful view in Milford. Visits from friends brought him great joy.

In his memory go on an adventure whether it be exploring your hometown or the far flung corners of the earth. Encourage and cultivate your curiosity. Work hard, play hard; introduce yourself to the person next to you and make a new friend.

SERVICES: Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, January 3, 2023 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM in the Smith & Heald Funeral Home, 63 Elm Street, Milford, NH 03055. A funeral service will take place on Wednesday, January 4, 2023 at 11:00 AM in the First Congregational Church of Milford. Burial will follow with military honors in the Riverside Cemetery, Milford.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Paul to the Brenda Parker Silva Scholarship Fund, c/o First Congregational Church of Milford, NH.

Arrangements are in the care of the Smith & Heald Funeral Home, 63 Elm Street, Milford, NH 03055. To share a memory or offer a condolence with Paul’s family please visit www.smith-heald.com.