Peabody, MA – Joseph R. Silva, age 75, of Peabody, MA and St. Petersburg, FL passed away at Sarasota Memorial Hospital on January 29, 2017.   Son of the late Joseph and Emma (Mello) Silva, Joe was raised and educated in Peabody.  He attended the Carroll School and graduated Peabody High School in 1959.  He then joined the Navy and served aboard the USS Mountrail as a medic.  After an honorable discharge he began his career as a firefighter in Peabody and enjoyed 28 years on the job, achieving the rank of lieutenant before retiring.  Joe was elected Ward 3 councilor in Peabody for 2 terms and truly loved being a public servant.

Joe had many friends and was a member of many groups including The Knights of Columbus, The PLAV Club, The Elks, the VFW, and the Holy Ghost Society.  He loved to travel, especially on cruises, and was an avid and skilled dancer.

Joe is survived by his son William Silva and his wife Tina of Danvers, MA,  his son Robert Silva of Fitzwilliam, NH, his son Brian Silva and his wife Kathleen of Amesbury, MA, his 8 grandchildren Alexander, Sabrina, Diana, Emmanuel, Jon and his wife Alicia, Joshua, Julia and Jessica, his great grandchild Josiah,  his sister Carol Gil and her husband Robert of St. Petersburg, FL, his former wife Lauretta (Sauvageau) Silva, and a large extended family of relatives and friends.

Visiting hours for Joseph will take place on Monday February 6, 2017 from 4 to 8PM at the Murphy Funeral Home, 85 Federal St. (Corner of North St.), Salem, MA 01970.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St Thomas the Apostle Church, 1 Margin St. Peabody, MA 01960 at 11AM on Tuesday February 7, 2017.  Interment will take place at Cedar Grove Cemetery, Cedar Grove Ave. Peabody, MA.  In Lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to the Peabody Council on Aging, 75R Central Street, Peabody, MA  01960.  For additional information or online guestbook please visit www.MurphyFuneralHome.com or call 978-744-0497.