It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved father, husband, brother, grandfather, and great–grandfather, Manuel Daniel da Silva. Manuel passed away peacefully on October 11, 2026, at the age of 86, leaving behind a rich legacy of resilience, curiosity, friendship, and love.
Born on June 15, 1940, in Horta, Faial, in the Azores Islands, Manuel embarked on the journey of a lifetime when he immigrated to California at the age of 19. Arriving with just $19 in his pocket, he built a meaningful life through hard work and dedication. He spent his early years building a life as a dairyman and continued working on a dairy farm until his well–earned retirement at the age of 84.
Driven by a deep intellect and determination to grow, Manuel taught himself how to read, write, and speak English using National Geographic magazines and television. By the end of his life, he proudly shared that he thought fluently in both Portuguese and English - a testament to his lifelong love of learning.
Manuel was an adventurous and spiritual soul with a passion for conversation and storytelling. He held a deep love for nature; his backyard became a living sanctuary reflecting the island of his youth, mixed with the mountains and landscapes of his imagination. He led an active life filled with hiking, fishing, and taking memorable trips with his children. He taught himself to paint with acrylics through books, becoming a skilled artist whose canvases were filled with mountains and places he visited in his mind.
A dedicated member of the following AA Fellowships: Beachwood, The Herd, and The Rock Pile Fellowship, Manuel found a profound sense of purpose, community, and lasting friendships that supported him daily as he celebrated an incredible 45 years of sobriety. Family and friends will forever remember his favorite saying, "Ai Deus," a phrase comforting and familiar to his children.
Manuel grew up with four siblings, Maria Alice Silva, Joe Silva, Angelina Carlos, and Cirino Silva. During his lifetime, he had four children, Daniel da Silva, Jeraldo da Silva, Paul da Silva, and Michele da Silva. Manuel loved his grandchildren, Ashley Walker (Bailey), Caleb Bremen, (Kayla) Sarah DeLay, Zachary Castillo da Silva, (Cherry), and lived to see and meet his great–grandchildren, Norah DeLay, Violet DeLay, Raedyn Bremen, Kenli Bremen, and Denali Castillo da Silva. He is survived by his loving wife, Lori di Muro, who has been by his side for 40 years.
In accordance with his wishes, Manuel will be cremated and his remains will be scattered over the Sierra Nevada mountains. Yosemite will always be a special place in his heart - a place he truly loved. A celebration of life will be held at a later date, where family and friends can gather to celebrate him and share their favorite memories.
Rest peacefully, Manuel. May your spirit forever wander among the mountains you loved so dearly.
"Ai Deus"
