Apr 8, 1934 — Sep 29, 2026
Milton Perry Silva, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, musician, and man of faith, passed away on September 29, 2026, with his loving family by his side. A longtime resident of Reading, Massachusetts, Milton is remembered with deep love by his family and by all who had the privilege of knowing him. His life was marked by quiet dedication—to the people he cherished, the work he performed with care, the music he generously shared, and the faith that guided him.
Born on April 8, 1934, in New Bedford, Massachusetts, Milton was the son of Martha Silva and Joseph Silva. He attended New Bedford High School from 1949 to 1953 and continued his education at Boston University and the New England College of Pharmacy.
On April 30, 1966, Milton married the love of his life, Ruth Ann Oliveira. For 60 years, they shared a marriage filled with love, companionship, and devotion, building a life together in Reading with family always at its heart. The ordinary moments they shared through the years became treasured memories, and their enduring bond was a beautiful example to those who knew and loved them. During their final eight years together, Milton and Ruth made their home at the Residence at Pearl Street in Reading, continuing side by side through the last chapter of their long life together. Milton was a proud and caring father to Darlene Whitney and her husband, Jon; David Silva and his wife, Maria Laporte; Dianne Tosti and her husband, Scott; and Deborah Applin.
His family grew to include his grandchildren, Jonas Whitney and his wife, Bonnie; Jared Whitney; Rudy Whitney; Riley Applin; Jacob Applin; Holly Tosti; and Isabel Tosti, as well as his great-grandchildren, Tobias and Ernest Whitney. Milton’s love for his family was one of the defining joys of his life, and the example he set will remain a lasting part of their lives.
Milton served in the United States Naval Reserve from 1953 to 1960. His professional life reflected his intelligence, diligence, and willingness to serve others. He worked as a research chemist at Dewey and Almy, then spent 27 years with Fisher Scientific as an outside sales representative and inside sales manager. He later served as a purchasing coordinator at Massachusetts General Hospital, supporting research teams.
An accomplished pianist and organist, Milton loved sharing music with others. He was also a man of enduring faith and a longtime member of the First Baptist Church of Reading. Through his music, his work, and the steady love he gave his family, Milton touched many lives in meaningful, lasting ways.
Milton will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather whose warmth, faith, talent, and devotion enriched the lives around him. His family will carry forward the memory of his music, his generous spirit, and the love that was at the heart of his life.
A visitation will be held at the Douglass, Edgerley & Bessom Funeral Home, 25 Sanborn St. (cor. of Woburn St.) Reading on Saturday, October 3, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 Noon. Burial will be private.
