Robert Silva

Robert Silva, was born on March 6, 1941, the seventh child to Juan and Leonila Silva, in Port Costa, California. Soon after Robert's birth, his father Juan, received a promotion to foreman for the Southern Pacific Railroad and was transferred to a small central valley town named Mendota, California. On July 4, 1941, the three-month old Robert, his six other siblings, and his mother Leonila, set foot on the soil of their new homeland. Robert and his eleven siblings attended Mendota schools, but like many students in the central valley, attended high school in a neighboring town. He graduated from Tranquillity High School in 1960. Three years after high school, Robert was drafted into he United States Army and was assigned to the C Battery, 5th Battalion, 16th Artillery. He served until November of 1965. After serving the army, Robert came back to his hometown and worked at two local grocery stores. Leonard's Food Mart and the Mendota Food Center where he became a Produce Manager. Mary Ellen Tostado, a shy and soft spoken girl from another small agricultural town of Selma, California, caught Robert's eye at a Fresno night club, called the The Rainbow Ballroom. That's where he said he met the love of his life and married her on May 29, 1971. In August of 1973, Yvette Marie Silva, their first child to be was born.Thirteen years later, Robert and Mary, were shocked to hear they were having another baby. Kristine Nicole Silva arrived in March of 1986, five days before Robert's birthday. Two years later, Robert and Mary were blown away to hear they were going to have another child! Robert Anthony Silva was born in October of 1988. Robert and Mary were overjoyed. During this time, of unexpected blessings, Robert's first experience serving his community was coaching sports, and his first introduction to civic duty came when Robert advocated on, behalf of the community, for education reform in Mendota., He pledged to improving the lives of the farmworker community and the agricultural industry. He fought to bring back business to his drought impacted town. Robert's 40 years of public service included: Mendota Community Corporation, Mendota Unified School District Board of Trustees, the Fresno Economic Opportunities Commission, Fresno Land Agency Formation Commission (including serving as Chairman), the Transportation Authority, The Fresno Council of Governments, The Latino Water Coalition (co-founder), and proudly, the longest-serving mayor of the Mendota City Council. Robert Silva, a man of great integrity, a well-respected leader, a true founding father of his community, a loving husband, a wonderful father, and a unfailing loyal grandfather, will always be remembered and will be missed immensely. Robert is preceded in death by his parents, Juan and Leonila Silva; his brothers, Ignacio and Frank; his sisters, Paula and Mary; his nephew, Frank Jr. Robert is survived by his wife of 49 years, Mary Ellen Silva; his daughters, Yvette Marie and Kristine Nicole; his son, Robert Anthony; his eight grandchildren, Marc, Jacob, and Adam Daniel Alonzo, Cesar Joseph, Isabella Marie, Anthony Roberto, and Claudia Nicole Figueroa, and Gianna Celina Alejandre; his sisters, Nellie Rodriguez, Elsie Silva, Lucy King, and Grace Snowden; his brothers, John, Joe, and Fred Silva.

Tributes

Robert Silva

March 6, 1941 - May 13, 2020