ERNEST R. SILVA

91, of Cheshire, CT died at Midstate Medical Center on Sunday October 21, 2012, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born in Providence, RI to the late Antonio R. Silva and Beatrice Medeiros, and brother to the late Irene Gaudreau - Perry. He was married on January 25, 1947 to Theresa Toti of Cranston.

Ernest was employed with the Navy in Newport, RI before serving in the U.S. Army from 1942-1945. He served with the 6th Army Alamo Force and Adjutant General Department of Intelligence and Aerial Intelligence in the Southwest Pacific, New Guinea, Bismarck Archipelago and the Philippine Islands. His landing ship transport was bombed and sunk during the Philippine Liberation and the Battle of Leyte Gulf in 1944.

Ernest worked at the Veterans Administration as a Supervisor and Claims Adjudicator from 1949 to 1979 as well as devoting his personal time helping Veterans understand and receive the benefits that were due to them. He was a Member of the American Legion, a Member of the Holy Name Society of Saint Bartholomew's Church in Providence, a Charter Member of the Fatima Council Knights of Columbus No. 4331 in Providence and a Knights of Columbus Member of Hendricken Assembly.

Ernest and Theresa moved to Cranston in 1954 where they lived for 56 years until moving to Connecticut in 2010. He is survived by his wife Theresa; his son Ernest and his wife Susan Silva; his son Ronald Silva; his daughter Ann Casey; and his two grandchildren Scott and Caitlyn Casey.

His funeral will be held on THURSDAY at 10 a.m. from the NARDOLILLO FUNERAL HOME & Crematory 1278 Park Ave. Cranston, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Bartholomew's Church, 297 Laurel Hill Ave. Providence at 11 a.m. VISITING HOURS THURSDAY MORNING from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.

Interment with Military Honors will be at St. Ann Cemetery in Cranston.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to charity of your choice.