Obituary of Joao DaSilva

João Gomes DaSilva, 98 of Randolph, NJ, spent his last day praying and listening to violin music. Therefore, he met St. Peter with a smile on his face and warmth in his heart as he passed through the pearly gates on October 27, 2023. 

João was born July 11, 1925 in the small farming community of Sousa, Paraiba, Brazil. He left home at 10 years old to receive a classical education which began in the town of Patos and eventually in the Seminary of  São Francisco in the state capital, João Pessoa. 

Having decided to not pursue a life in the priesthood he went to the United States to continue his education at Catholic University. His lifelong passion for music was explored briefly at Peabody Conservatory. 

João received his Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry from Universidade Federal da Paraíba in 1958 

which was to be the direction of his career researching and discovering photographic chemicals. He met Catherine Carney in New York City and they would marry in August, 1959. He would have four sons with Cathy. 

João returned to the clergy when the Catholic Church created the Permanent Diaconate program and he was ordained in the Diocese of Paterson’s first class in June, 1974. He served as a Permanent Deacon for many years at both St. Virgil’s Parish in Morris Plains and at Morristown Medical Center. He served faithfully in this capacity through 2020.

João was a private pilot since 1977 and flew with the Coast Guard Auxiliary up until 2019. He was so proud of his 15 years of service in the US Coast Guard Auxillary at the USCG Air Station Caldwell at his “vintage” age.

His beloved wife Cathy passed away in November, ­­2003. 

Joao is survived by his four sons and daughter: Daniel and wife Ingrid, Jeffrey and wife Patti, Douglas and wife Aldelira, and John and wife Michele, and daughter Marybeth. He loved and adored his grandchildren. He had 5 grandsons, Jeffrey, Neal, Derek, Shane, Jason, a granddaughter, Rebecca, and a great granddaughter Isabella. He is also survived by many family members in Fortaleza, Brazil. 

There will be a wake from 5:00pm to 8:00pm on Wednesday, November 1^st at St. Matthew the Apostle Roman Catholic Church, 335 Dover Chester Road, Randolph, New Jersey.

Joao’s funeral mass will be at the same location on Thursday, November 2^nd at 10:00am. Tuttle Funeral Home of Randolph, New Jersey is handling all arrangements. His family is eternally grateful for the wonderful, loving care he received from all the staff at Holly Manor Center in Mendham and his personal care aids Robin Giordano and Lilliana Rodriguez.