Fernando da Silva

It is with deep sorrow but with hope and belief in Eternal life in heaven that we announce the unexpected passing of Fernando Martins da Silva, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. Fernando entered eternal life on Thursday, July 3, 2025 at his home. He was the loving husband of Maria Conceição “Connie” Silva to whom he was married to for 58 years. He immigrated to the United States in 1967 at the age of 22. Born in Linhares da Beira, Portugal, he was the son of the late Alberto and Lurdes (Veloso) Silva.

Fernando will be fondly remembered as a soft, kind-hearted and generous man. A deeply spiritual, religious and devout Catholic, he celebrated his birthday on May 13th and had a strong devotion to Our Lady of Fatima, reciting the rosary daily.

Fernando was a skillful and talented tailor working as a supervisor at Cliftex, Cape Cod Sportswear and Riverside Clothing until his retirement. He, along with his brother Carlos, owned Alfaiataria Portugal on Acushnet Avenue in New Bedford in the 1980’s. Fernando enjoyed tending to his garden and took pride in his harvest. He enjoyed reading and purchasing every newspaper he could get. Fernando, along with his wife, had the pleasure of spending several months throughout the summer in their beloved homeland in Portugal for the last 20 years. He was an avid Sporting fan, a joy he shared with his grandson Alec. He always hoped for a win just because “Alec will be happy.” Most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his three grandchildren, being present at each of their milestones. He was a loving and proud grandfather taking great joy in all his grandchildren’s accomplishments. He will be fondly missed by all who knew and loved him.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his two sons Fernando, (wife Lurdes) of Dartmouth, and Rui, (wife Helen) of North Carolina, three grandchildren whom he adored, Sydney Teal, (husband Chrisitian) of North Carolina, Alecsander da Silva (fiancée Bailee), and Katia da Silva.

He is also survived by his five siblings José António (wife Teresa) of Portugal, Jaime (wife Emilia) of Portugal, Carlos (wife Fernanda) of Dartmouth, Dulce (husband Virgilio) of Portugal and Conceição “Connie” of New Bedford. He is also survived by his brother in law José Vicêncio (wife Emilia) of New Bedford and sister in law Celeste Figueiredo (husband Fernando) of Portugal. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews both here and in Portugal. He loved and was loved and respected by all whom he met throughout his life.

Fernando’s visiting hours will be held on Tuesday, July 8th, from 5pm to 8pm. His funeral will take place on Wednesday, July 9th, beginning in the funeral home at 9am and followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church at 10 am. Burial will immediately follow in Rural Cemetery.

Donations for St. Jude Children’s Hospital or Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church are kindly accepted and appreciated.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Perry Funeral Home, located at 111 Dartmouth Street, New Bedford.