Arnold D. Silva, 78, died May 6 at Oak Valley Hospital.

He was born in San Jose, the second son to Joseph and Eleanor Silva who emigrated from the Azores Islands. He had an older brother, Robert, and three younger siblings, Joseph, William, and Joan. He went to high school in Centerville where he met his wife, Darlene Caldeira of Newark. They married in 1952.

Mr. Silva entered the army, made the rank of sergeant, and together with his wife was stationed in Germany in 1953-54. The couple moved to Oakdale in 1959 to begin life as dairy farmers. They raised three sons. After leaving the dairy, he worked in a variety of jobs, retiring in 1997 after more than 20 years at International Paper in Modesto, where he was first a forklift driver and then supervisor. After retiring, he enjoyed driving for Steve’s Chevrolet in Oakdale.

He was a devout Catholic and Eucharistic minister at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Oakdale. He was a charter member of the Knights of Columbus chapter at St. Mary’s.

He loved horses, watching professional football, and spending time with his wife, his sons, and four grandchildren who called him ‘Voo.’ He had a gentle soul, a quick sense of humor, and he touched the lives of everyone he met. Everyone who met him called him friend and he will be remembered by everyone as a man who loved God and who loved his family.

He is survived by his wife of nearly 60 years, Darlene, of Oakdale; sons, Arnold L. (Denise Mills) Silva of Boise, ID, Alan J. Silva of Eagan, MN, Arlin D. (Sheryl Wikoff) Silva of Oakdale; and grandchildren, Christopher, Angeline, Carly, and Faith.

Visitation will be from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, May 13 at Oakdale Memorial Chapel. Holy rosary and mass of Christian burial will be at 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 14 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Oakdale. A reception will immediately follow at St. Mary’s Parish Center. Private burial will be Monday, May 16 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Cemetery, Escalon.

In lieu of flowers remembrances may be made to the CCD program (religious instruction for children) of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 1225 Olive St., Oakdale, CA 95361; or to the college fund for his grandchildren, 1858 Pontiac Street, Oakdale, CA 95361.