Services announced for Fall River man who exemplified the American dream, known for community and charity work

OBITUARY

Liberal Daniel Silva, 85, of Fall River, husband of Rita M. (Carreiro) Silva, passed away on Monday, April 20, 2026, at home surrounded by family.  Born in Arrifes, São Miguel, Açores, a son of the late Manuel da Silva and the late Francisca (do Rego) Silva, he emigrated to Fall River in 1955.

 Liberal was a prime example of the American dream.  He applied himself with great conviction and courage in everything he did.  He became the owner/operator of Frisco’s Asphalt Paving and Landscaping, starting off with two pieces of equipment.  The business evolved throughout the years and is now a family run corporation, Century Paving.  He also owned The Portuguese Cultural Center (CC), which was a labor of love for the Portuguese community.  He took great pride in hosting events for the community such as New Year’s Eve and the IPMA’s and especially his son Michael’s wedding and his 40th and 50th anniversary with the love of his life, Rita.  He also very much enjoyed the microphone at the CC where he was known to give long and heartfelt speeches and never failed to acknowledge his love for his wife.

 From an early age his dream was to own a vacation home by the ocean.  After many years of hard work and saving, he fulfilled his dream when he purchased a home on the banks of the Westport River.  He enjoyed smoking a cigar and playing horseshoes within those many years of fun with family and friends there.

 In the eyes of his beautiful Rita, and his three children he was committed and passionate to his family, work, religious and civic communities.  He strongly believed in volunteering and being an active citizen and was proud to have helped make many contributions for the improvement of the city of Fall River, including the Gates of the City.  Throughout his life he dedicated himself to worthy causes and charitable organizations, for which he received numerous awards and well-deserved recognition.  He was most proud of being decorated by the President of Portugal, Anibal Cavaco Silva, at the University of Massachusetts with a medal of honor. 

 Liberal was a longtime member of the Prince Henry Society, the Portuguese Business Association, and he participated on many committees over the years in preparation of such events as Fall River Celebrates America, Day of Portugal, and the Great Feast of the Holy Ghost.  He also enjoyed membership in and was the founding father of Fall River Casa do Benfica Soccer Club.  He was a die-hard Benfica fan.

 A devout Catholic, he was a member of the St. Anthony of Padua Church Holy Name Society, and St. Anthony’s Band Club.  He gave himself freely and to many religious and charitable organizations in which he held leadership roles, and for this he was awarded the Marian Medal in recognition of his dedicated service to the church.  Liberal gave from his generous heart in all that he did. He will be profoundly missed by many.

 Besides his wife of 65 years, he is survived by: three children, Pauline Marie Silva (companion John Lindahl) of Fall River, Daniel George Silva (wife Marina) of Fall River, and Michael James Silva (wife Sarah) of Dartmouth; seven grandchildren, Jamey Campellone (wife Cassandra), Kyle Silva (wife Brianna), Chelsea Campellone (fiancé Elijah), Jessica Silva (husband Johannes), Nicholas Silva, Jacob Silva, and Abigail Silva; 2 great grandchildren, James Silva and Carson Campellone; and several nieces and nephews.  Liberal was predeceased by his siblings, Mary S. Massa, Manuel do Rego Silva, Gabriel da Silva, David da Silva, and Josue da Silva Almeida.

 Relatives and Friends are invited to attend his Calling Hours to be held in Silva-Faria Funeral Home, 730 Bedford Street, Fall River, on Friday, April 24, 2026, from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

 His Funeral will be held on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at 9:00 am from the Silva-Faria Funeral Home, 730 Bedford St, Fall River, with a Mass of Christian Burial to be offered in St. Anthony of Padua Church at 10:00 am. Committal Service and entombment will follow in Notre Dame Mausoleum Cemetery.

 To ensure that the family receives all online condolences you may wish to share, please submit only to the funeral home’s website [ www.silvafaria.com  at “Sign Guestbook” or “Send Sympathy Card”] and not through a third party. Thank you!

 In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Liberal’s memory to Prince Henry Society of Fall River, P. O. Box 3563, Fall River, MA 02721; 508-974-8441;  https://www.phsfr.org/donate-now