Coach Joe Silva

Born Joseph J. Silva April 22, 1946 to Elvira Silva (Barros) and Peter Vasco Tavares in Wareham, Mass. As a child he was fondly called Joey d’Elvira. Joe’s siblings include David Silva of New Bedford Mass, Mario Barros of Kennebunk Maine, Alan Barros of Groton, NY, Cheryl Merritt, Linda Thornton , Patsy , Paul and Peter Tavares of Wareham, Mass and Pacita Bradford of Mattapan Mass. Joe was a proud father to Brian K. Tatum of Denver, Co., Joseph J. Silva Jr, Los Angeles CA, Lawson (Scott) Silva, Sacramento, Michelle Silva Martin Elk Grove, CA and Julian Sabir El, Sacramento CA . Joe was Papa to 14 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. A Host of nieces, nephews and God children. He was a coach, teacher and mentor to hundreds. . Joe grew up in the Cape Verdean community and attended Wareham public schools. Joe excelled in track and field, and football earning regional and state honors Joe attended Florida A&M briefly then transferred to Winston Salem-State University on a track scholarship. Here he would continue to obtain conference and national awards and find “his Good Thing ‘Evelyn Lucas’ on the first day she arrived to campus. They remained One for 54 years, nine months and 7 days. Joe transferred From Winston-Salem State to Western Illinois University where he pursued his under graduate and graduate studies in Physical Education, History and Health. Joe’s accolades include: High school state champion Penn Relays-First place long jump Champion Western Illinois University All American, First Division I Qualifier, Indoor & outdoor champion and Hall of Fame NCAA Hall of fame Sacramento City College Hall of Fame Sprint and jump coach-Sacramento City College Coach for U.S. sprinters- Pan American Games Sao Palo Brazil Organized Sacramento Valley Track and field Association, Alex Van Dyke track club, Sacramento Valley track club, Pacific United track club 37.5 years as a teacher in Sacramento Unified Schools (Coached first regional cross country championship team-Sacramento High) Coached National and State Of California Record holder 4x200 and 4x400 Relay Teams Joe personally competed into his 40’s for Penn Striders, University of Chicago track club, Bay Area Striders and Unattached. Joe fell asleep January 7, 2022. Viewing: Wednesday January 19, 2022, 2-4 pm Morgan and Jones-Sacramento Viewing at the Church 10-11 am preceding A Mass of Christian Burial Thursday January 20, 2022, 11am Good Shepard Catholic Church Elk Grove CA