Anthony Silva

Anthony Silva passed away peacefully at his home in Neptune on March 16th. Tony was born and raised in Neptune, New Jersey. He attended Holy Spirit Grammar School, Asbury Park, and Saint Rose High School, Belmar. Tony excelled in his studies and was the Captain of the highly regarded Saint Rose Track Team, where he ran Cross Country. Tony next attended Monmouth College, and graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology and Chemistry. After graduation Tony was hired at the Jersey Shore Medical Center where he worked in the laboratory.

In 1977, after the death of his beloved father, Augusto, Tony joined the family business, Silva Orchids in Neptune, which was being run at the time by his brother Joe, and mother, Aida. Tony established an orchid laboratory for the business where the work of producing new hybrid orchids was undertaken. He took a particular interest in the hybridizing of the Phalaenopsis and Cattleya orchids. His hybrids produced many new and beautiful progeny, which are still much in demand by the best flower shops in New York City. Many of these are registered with the Royal Horticultural Society in Great Britain.

Tony was a constant innovator and many of his ideas lead to improved conditions in the orchid greenhouses. His innovations helped the business constantly strive to improve the quality and vigor of their plants, for which the business is still known today. Through these efforts the company has received over 75 awards from the American Orchid Society. Tony was a steady and trusted partner and beloved brother to younger brother Joe, and an inspiration to nephew Gus, who followed him into the family business.

Tony was a faithful follower of the Catholic Church and its teachings and he regularly attended daily mass. He was also very active in the Right to Life movement. He was a great comfort and beloved brother to sister Lydia, whom he helped survive and then thrive through a near death experience.

Tony formed an especially strong bond with sister Lydia, brother Joe, sister in-law Beth who also works in the family business, niece Emily, and nephew Gus, as they lived, worked, and grew up together on the family orchid farm.

He is survived by sisters Deanna Myers, Florida, Constance Hand and her husband Jeffery, Florida, Mary Grez, Neptune, Lydia Silva, Neptune Joe and his wife Beth, nieces Christie, Kelly, Kerry, Elizabeth, Nicole, Emily, and nephews, Billy, Robert, Christopher and Gus, and 17 great nieces and nephews.

A Catholic Mass will be held at Holy Innocents in Neptune on April 11th at 10:00 AM.

Arrangements are entrusted to Jersey Shore Cremation Service, 43 Taylor Avenue, Manasquan, NJ - JerseyShoreCremation.com