John James Silva 10/7/1954 - 9/2/2025

John Silva was born in Oakland, CA on 10/7/54.  He moved to Alameda as a young child and spent most of his life in Alameda, CA.  He attended Mastick School in Alameda for several years participating in their Special Needs classes.  John moved from Alameda to Hayward in his thirties where he was able for the first time to live independently in a group home.  He was proud to have worked for many years for the Alameda County ARC of the East Bay Program.

John participated in Special Olympics and received many medals for his outstanding bowling skills as well as participating in other Special Olympics events.  He loved bowling!  John always liked listening to all types of music and playing his records on his record player and later on his iPad.  Johnny loved the show Happy Days on TV and watching the Fonz!  Trips to the local KFC were always a must with John!  He had to have his chicken!  For his birthday and other special occasions, John would really enjoy chocolate cake!

John was deeply loved by his family and friends!  He was cared for most of his adult life by his devoted Mother, Laura.  After John left the care of his mother, the staff at Harmony House, Heather’s Board and Care, and finally the Carnation House became his caregivers and second family, for which our entire family is forever grateful!  A special person in John’s life was his Case Worker at the East Bay Regional Care Center, John Danielson.  Mr. Danielson was always there for our Johnny and for our family providing updates and visits for which we are all so very thankful.  We appreciate everything that he has done over these past 30 plus years of knowing Johnny.  We want to also thank the staff at Washington Hospital in Fremont where John spent his last few days.  He received wonderful care from all of the staff and our family will always be so thankful for the compassion and care given to Johnny.  John was such a beautiful man with a loving soul who was always smiling!  He didn’t hesitate to tell people that they were beautiful!  There are very few people in this world who wouldn’t hurt a fly, and John was one of them!

John was preceded in death by his Father, Martin John Silva and Mother, Laura Amelia Morrison (formerly Silva) of Alameda.  John is survived by his Brother Martin Glenn and his wife Nannette of Alameda, his two Nephews Jeff Silva of Alameda and David Silva of San Lorenzo as well as his Niece Lynn Silva of Alameda.  He is also survived by his three Grandnieces Zoe Johnson, and Autumn and Paisley Silva.

The Family will be holding a Memorial Service for John on Tuesday, October 7th at 1:00 p.m. at Grissom’s Chapel & Mortuary located at 267 E. Lewelling Blvd. in San Lorenzo, CA.  John will be interred with his parents at the Chapel of the Chimes in Oakland, CA.  

In lieu of flowers, the family suggest donations to the Special Olympics or your favorite charity.

Care has been entrusted to Grissom's Cremation and Burial Centers.