April 5, 1923 – March 7, 2019

Francisco Rodrigues Silva, Petty Officer First Class (PO1), USN Ret., age 95, died peacefully at 10:23 AM on March 7, 2019 at Cornerstone Hospice in Clermont. He is survived by his wife of 72 years, Angela; sister Leonia: his sons Frank, Michael and his wife Jennifer; grandchildren Connie, Timothy and his wife Brady, Erin and her fiancé Drew, Kirsten and her husband Will, and Julia; and his great-grandchildren Zoe, Rex, Luke, Sadie, Matilda, and Maverick.

Born in Taunton, Massachusetts, Petty Officer Silva spent his former years in Madiera, Portugal before returning to the United States as a teenager. He was drafted into the U.S. Army during WWII as an aerial photographer where he fought in the Asiatic-Pacific theater and aided in the Liberation of the Philippines. There, Petty Officer Silva executed 61 combat missions on the B-24 heavy bomber. His expansive 39 years of selfless duty also encompasses the Korean and Vietnam Conflicts to include enlistments in the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy and U.S. Navy Reserves. He continued his profession in photography in both military and civilian sectors. Among his many accomplishments are five Air Medals and production of the popular "Victory at Sea" television series.

Following his legion of service, Frank dug his roots in Groveland, Fl and built a home and orange grove to satisfy his passion for horticulture. He was notorious for having a green thumb and for his humanitarian work. He often volunteered with Habitat for Humanity and church groups and traveled to impoverished countries: building schools, homes and churches. Frank was a lover of God, the sport of fishing, and avid fan of professional wrestling. He was a true patriot and charming orator who impressed countless lessons, sayings, and stories upon his family and friends.

Tuesday, March 12 Receiving of family and friends/ visitation 11 A.M. Becker Funeral Home, Clermont, FL Burial and graveside service- 1 P.M. Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell, FL.