Russell J. Silveira Obituary
Russell J. Silveira, of Wenham and formerly Gloucester, beloved husband of the late Gertrude (Francis) Silveira, with whom he spent 71 wonderful years of marriage, passed away on March 18, 2022 at Beverly Hospital, 15 days after losing his wife.
He was born in Gloucester on September 30, 1928, the son of Joaquin and Dorothy (Garvey) Silveira. He was the stepson of Catherine "Dolly" (Formes) Silveira with whom he lived with his father from childhood until he was married in 1950.
In September of 1950, Russell joined the U/S. Navy with his stepbrother John Daniel Lowe and two close friends, the late John P. Souza and John (Baker) Silva and was honorably discharged in July of 1954. Russell was retired from Nynex/Verizon (formerly New England Telephone & Telegraph Company) after 37 years of service.
He and Gert enjoyed many bus tours along the east coast and Canada. They enjoyed their many trips to North Conway and spent many hours together watching movies in the theaters and later, on television.
At Gloucester High School he played football, basketball and was a boxer.
Russ was an avid football fan, following GHS, Boston College and of course the Patriots and other pro teams. He enjoyed attending GHS football games and went to many Freshman and JV football scrimmages. The Patriots games were not missed. He was a GHS hockey fan as well.
He was the father of seven, grandfather of thirteen and great-grandfather of six.
Russell leaves behind six children, Cynthia J. Hill U.S. Navy Captain Retired of Revere, MA and her husband, Lawrence II, Jeannie, wife of Richard Brown of Marietta Ga, Michael, husband of Dr. Katherine Rudolph of Yarmouth ME, Diane Souza and her husband, David of Gloucester, Thomas, husband of Heidi Martin of Seabrook NH and James, husband of Jennifer (Kelly) of Wilmington MA.
His Grandchildren, who affectionately called him Grampy Russell are Amanda (Anthony) Capurso, Lonnie (Stephanie) Bostic, Cara Brown, Emily and Claire Silveira, Russell (Kim) and Alex Souza, Katrina (Jashan) Ahuja, Tatiana (Kevin) Myers, Lillian (Brandon) Evans, Elliott Martin, David and Abigail Silveira.
Great grandchildren Anthony Jr., Violet Jane and Gerald G. Capurso, Violet Marie and Desmond Bostic, and Athena Evans
He leaves behind one sister, Fay Greaney, of Bedford, NH, and brother-in-law, Ronald Francis of Gloucester.
Russell leaves behind many nephews and nieces, including Vicki Holtsclaw, Brenda McClelland, Stephen, Tamma, Robert, Kenneth, Keith & Jeffrey Francis and their spouses, and Robert & Christopher Klyce, and their children. He also leaves many dear close friends: special Goddaughter Cathy (Lafata) Devlin, Faye and Eugene MacDonald, Marie Swinson, Barbara Decoste, Nancy & Hugh Curley, Isabelle MacLeod, Charlie Herdman and Gap and Sue Lafata.
He was predeceased by his son, U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. David R. Silveira, who died Feb. 2, 1983, Ipswich, England, his step brother, John Daniel Lowe, his childhood friend, John P. Souza, brother-in-law Miles E. Francis, Jr., sister-in-law, Hannah Francis, special niece, Julie Francis and long-time friends, Doris and Jack Webber, Robert (Buzzy) & Paige Clark, Robert and Bette Audano, Ronald and Janet Kimmence, Charlie Decoste, Robert Williams, Edward MacLeod, Robert and Catherine McKechnie, Muriel Herdman, Bob and Helen Johnson, Jim and Anne Mills, Thomas Greaney and Mel Olson.
Burial and a celebration of life will be held on a later date.
Arrangements are by the Greely Funeral Home, 212 Washington St. Gloucester.
