Richard A. da Silva

March 28, 2025
da Silva Richard, Carlee and Louie

   Richard Alves da Silva, 76, of Nashua, passed away at his home, surrounded by his wife, family and friends, Friday evening, March 28, 2025.           

   The youngest of five children, he was born in Brockton, Massachusetts on February 16, 1949, a son of the late Alexander Alves da Silva and Rose Pereira (Silva) da Silva. Richard grew up in Brockton and graduated from Brockton High School in 1967. An Army veteran, Richard proudly served his country from 1969 to 1972 when Uncle Sam came calling. Following his military service, he furthered his education at Massasoit College, earning his Associates Degree in Science in 1974 and went on to earn a BS/BA at Suffolk University.

   Richard spent over 30 years working for the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA), first at the Jamaica Plain VA and then the Bedford VA in Fiscal Service. He worked his way up from Accountant to Chief of the Department. Later in his career, he moved within the DVA to what was then known as Decision Support Systems (DSS), housed at the Bedford, Massachusetts VA.

     After leaving the Army, Richard took up long distance running and held many race records in local communities for a number of years. He qualified for the Boston Marathon when the qualifying times for his age group had been tightened up to 2 hours and 50 minutes. Sadly, due to an injury, he was unable to run the race. During COVID, Richard taught himself to play guitar and proudly played for his wife, greyhounds and guitar friends. Richard loved to send videos of new songs that he had learned to play to his family and friends. He always shared them with his guitar group first. Ultimately his favorite pastime was playing with and walking his greyhounds, Bryndel, Carlee (aka his Cawlee-Flower), Louie and Franco.

    Richard traveled to many places throughout the world, but his favorite places were those that he traveled with his greyhounds, like Greystock (GA); Greyhounds Reach the Beach (DE); Grapehounds (NY); Greyhounds in Gettysburg (PA); Burlington, VT and so many other places.

    He was a proud member of the Lauren Bateman’s Fellowship of the Strings Community.

    Members of his family include his loving wife, Patricia S. Klee (Nashua Ward Three Alderwoman); his four siblings, Nancy Lundberg and her late husband Carl, Robert da Silva and his wife Cora, the late Alexander da Silva and the late Rose Marie da Silva; nieces and nephews, Lynn Crapis, David Lundberg, Jeff da Silva, Sarah da Silva, Susan da Silva and Dan da Silva; dear family friend, Lynda Gillin; his beloved Greyhounds, Carlee, Franco, Bryndel (deceased) and Louie (deceased).

     Richard’s true passion lived with his beloved greyhounds and all greyhounds. He was extremely generous in his donations to greyhound shelters. His hope in life and in death is that he could save every greyhound and have enough property to house many. He would read stories about the rescues from the shelters listed below and immediately take out a credit card and make a donation or sponsor a foster. It is his wish that any purchase of flowers should be put aside and the monies be donated to the following shelters: Fast Friends Greyhound Adoption, 14 W. Swanzey Rd, Swanzey, NH (603) 355-1556; Greyhound Friends at Saddle Hill Rd, Hopkinton, MA 01748, (508) 435-5969. In addition to his greyhounds, he loved being a member of his guitar group named the Fellowship of the Strings and to be one of the original members of Lauren’s Lifetime Fellowship. Richard will be interred at the New Hampshire Veterans’s Cemetery in Boscawen, NH later this year. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.farwellfuneralservice.com

The Farwell Funeral Service, 18 Lock Street, Nashua is assisting the family with arrangements.

9 Comments on Richard A. da Silva

Bill Grady said : Guest Report Apr 01, 2025 at 7:38 AM

Trish, Fran and I wanted to extend our sincerest condolences to you and your family as you endure your heartbreaking loss. We were deeply moved reading about Richard’s life of service to country, community and love for music and your faithful companions. God Bless You, Bill& Fran

Lynn da Silva - Crapis said : Guest Report Mar 31, 2025 at 5:36 PM

Uncle Dick, your love & laughter will be missed but not forgotten. I loved witnessing the passion and zeal you had in life and all the love & admiration you had for your beautiful wife. Trish, may the wonderful memories you shared replace the sadness (in time). Your love and unwavering devotion don’t go unnoticed and I am grateful that Dick had you in his life. You both shared so many beautiful years together. Dick’s spirit will echo in our hearts and may that serve as a reminder to cherish every moment we have together and hold tight to the bonds of family - which, Trish, you’ll always be a very special part of.

Anna and Stven Ribaudo said : Guest Report Mar 31, 2025 at 4:31 PM

What true gem of a human being, and what a loss for everyone. Richard was warm and charming and easy to talk to. I am so sad, and sincerely hope he is now at peace. Arms around

President Ed Lecius said : Guest Report Mar 31, 2025 at 1:18 PM

On behalf of the Nashua Lions Club, our sincere condolences to you on the loss of your husband. Personally, I feel lucky to have met Richard and always enjoyed it when he was around at events. Our thoughts and prayers 🙏 are with you and your family. Nashua Lions Club Fellowship Committee

Sonia Prince said : Guest Report Mar 31, 2025 at 11:45 AM

So sorry for your loss. He was always so kind when we met. A sweet man who loved his wife and his greyhounds. He will be missed dearly.

Larry and Hannah Nedzbala said : Guest Report Mar 30, 2025 at 11:52 PM

Larry and Hannah are sad to hear of Dick’s passing. Trish, you two were truly made for each other and the delight you shared caring for greyhounds. We have so many wonderful memories from the many New Year parties we spent with you and times we’d catch up over a dinner and ultimately be the last to leave the restaurant. Please don’t regret spending time as an alder person in your ward. We could listen to you both discussing happenings in Nashua. Many of your constituents are proud to have such a caring person in you, as Dick surely was.

Denise Marcouillier said : Guest Report Mar 30, 2025 at 10:04 PM

Trish and family My thoughts and prayers are with you. Dick will be missed but will live on in your hearts and many precious memories.

Efstathia Booras said : Guest Report Mar 30, 2025 at 2:34 PM

Trish, My deepest condolences to you and your family. Dick was a wonderful man, and will deeply be missed. May he rest in peace and his memory be Eternal 🙏.

Kim Riley and Tom Davis said : Guest Report Mar 30, 2025 at 2:18 PM

Tom and I send our deepest condolences to Trish and Richard's family. I have wonderful memories of our many times spent together, brought together for our love of music. I am grateful to have spent the time we did, Dick was such a wonderful man. He was fortunate to have such a devoted and loving partner in Trish and all of their lucky four- legged kids throught the years. Love and light to you Trish, Rest In Power dear Dick🙏❤️

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