John Philip Silva

John Philip Silva was granted eternal rest with our heavenly Father on April 9, 2013. He courageously battled gastric cancer for two years in Houston, TX. At the age of 37, he is survived by his greatest treasures, his children: John Philip Silva II and Lauren Isabel Silva. John is the loving son of John Manuel and Margaret; caring brother of David Silva, Natalie Silva, and Margie and Jose Cardenas; beloved uncle to many nieces and nephews; dear nephew to several aunts and uncles, and cousin to many. John was a proud Eagle of the St. Thomas High School graduating class of 1994. At STH, he was involved in various athletics and extra-curricular programs. His senior year, he was awarded perfect attendance for all four years and his photographs and poems were published in the STH Literary Magazine. He continued his education by majoring in Communications with a minor in Journalism at Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio, TX. John had a passion for food. He loved cooking and learning how to cook new dishes. He even began his own “Margarita Pour Off Tour” where he hunted the best margaritas in San Antonio. As much as he spent time in the kitchen, he equally spent time at the gym. John loved running and working out. Being a well-rounded gentleman, John introduced various literary classics to family and friends. While in hospice, he and his family would reminisce about his favorite books and recited one of his favorite poems, “Ulysses” by Alfred Lord Tennyson. Not to be overshadowed though was his enjoyment for films, particularly Star Wars and movies directed by Quentin Tarantino. He began his career with the Union Pacific Railroad San Antonio Locomotive Shop in 2000, and advanced to Conductor then Engineer in 2003. He dearly loved riding the rails as a locomotive engineer and often shared exciting experiences from his trips. John was an active member of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen #197 and the United Transportation Union. Anyone who truly knew John was embraced as family. He was spirited, charming, charismatic, and his warmth was as contagious as his big smile. He never failed to make you feel welcome by including you in jokes and pranks. Just as quick as he was with words, he was with actions because he would immediately stop to lend a helping hand whenever and to whomever he could. It was appropriate that he lived his life driving trains for he always led the way for so many others and never complained about his heavy load even during the most difficult days in his fight against cancer. As he leaves his family and friends in this earthly world, he remains in spirit, in our loving memories, and forever in our hearts.