George Antonio Silva

On May 25, 1960, George became the second son to his loving parents, Guadalupe and Arnoldo Silva. As a child in Cypress Park, he was a natural leader to friends and stood out to his teachers as an intellectually gifted student. Filled with energy, ideas, and a strong will, he and his big brother, Arnold, planned and built a two-story fort with an underground tunnel for an entrance and a thrilling haunted house-just two of so many joint projects. As true Boy Scouts, the brothers led adventures with their sister, Norma, and friends across the train tracks and into the LA River, to the Mt. Washington hills, and on bike rides wherever they could go. A loving and protective brother, he spent his years challenging and guiding his sister Norma academically and on the tennis court. George's creativity grew as he partnered with Arnold as young adults, writing original songs and playing timeless music from the 60's and 70's- their favorites coming from the Beatles. Their band would rock their songs and ballads. Inspired by their father and mother, the brothers created beautiful memories singing traditional romantic songs and rancheras in Spanish at family parties. With a guitar always at hand, George led Las Mañanitas at every birthday, making each person feel special. His love of music and performance continued throughout his life, ultimately inspiring him to encourage his sons to learn an instrument of their choice. George married his soulmate Carmen. From their first date-a Catholic weekend retreat-our Lord was at the center of their relationship. They had three boys, Georgie, Robbie, and Johnny. His message to them, and all of the boys in the family, was to be "Men of Good Will." George always planned yearly vacations with his wife and sons. The trips would include going camping as the boys were growing up or taking trips to new places, domestic and international, such as New Orleans, Washington D.C., Florida, Canada, and Mexico. George was raised to be a hard worker and did everything for the welfare of his family. With Carmen's love and blessing, George always worked on his home. He was a great handyman and loved tending to his garden. He would say that it would give him peace. Every touch reflected love and unity of family, pride of culture, and faith in Jesus. George also took pride in his Italian Alfa Romeos. Renovations on the Alfa Romeos were a labor of love and patience. George shared this nostalgia with his boys and everyone who rode in the Alfas with him. Rising in the Los Angeles Unified School District from a Teacher Assistant to Chief Procurement Officer, George's decisions centered on equipping teachers with the tools needed to provide students with the best education. As he grew older, his faith in the Lord was his empowering force. With his years of wisdom, George spoke of the Lord in ways that touched people's souls. George and Carmen became Eucharistic ministers and lectors. On Sundays, you would find them sharing readings and singing beautifully alongside family members who joined in. At the point of the consecration of the Eucharist, George would always lovingly whisper, "My Lord and My God." Devoted to Carmen, he volunteered to be by her side when she became a Wedding Coordinator. With Jesus at the center of his life, George joined The Knights of Columbus to further his devotion in serving the Lord. Often asked for advice, he would share his faith and wisdom and make himself available whenever anyone needed support. All relationships were central in George's life. He was a loving son, brother, husband, father, uncle, cousin, Godfather, Compadre, and friend to all. With a beautiful smile, a kind heart, and the force of being a Man of Good Will, George will remain in the hearts of so many who he loved and who in return loved him. As a devout Catholic, and through years of prayer, reflection, and service, George is now with Our Lord and Savior, and joins all of our loved ones who preceded him on the journey home. Until we meet again. Vivat Jesus!!!