Jose Benjamin (Benjie) Silva passed away Sept. 18, 2020, in Del Norte. He was born Aug. 19, 1953, in Del Norte, Colorado to Manuel and Virginia Silva and was a graduate of Del Norte High School.

Benjie was a dedicated worker for the Del Norte Coop for many years and helped run the family trash business after the death of his father, alongside Dennis Whiteside, Paul Eldredge & Alfonso Silva. Benjie loved being in the outdoors, fishing, going for long walks through town visiting and waiving at friends along the way. He was an avid football fan who was loyal to his beloved Denver Broncos. He loved the old days of cheering on the Del Norte Tigers at the old football field and had his place imprinted on the visitor’s side, clear up in the corner supporting the Del Norte Basketball team.

Benjie by far was one of the gentlest souls you could ever meet. Although a night out with him could result in a hangover the next morning the party will never be the same without him. He had a way to light up a room with his laugh and the way he talked and joked. He ended every sentence with eh eh….uh.

His greatest enjoyment in life was the time he spent with his loving family. The love he had for his mother and his sister Josephine was like nothing else in the world! The lasting impact when he lost his mother was something we all could see that he carried with him to his grave. The reunion would have been quite the sight to see. We know he is forever at peace for the bond between a mother and son is forever. Benjie had a special place in his heart for his sister Josephine who was his protector beyond measures. She carried him under her wing the entire time he was on this earth. She fulfilled the message her mother left, to take good care of Benjie until he joined her. The bond they shared was unimaginable.

Benjie was preceded in death by his loving parents Manuel & Virginia Silva, brothers Alfonso and Charles Silva and his Uncle Eugene (Candyman) Silva. He is survived by his brother Johnny Silva of Monte Vista, Colorado; sisters, Irene Guitterez of Monte Vista, Colorado; Isabel Finley; Terry Luna of Pueblo, Colorado and Josephine (Dennis) Whiteside of Del Norte, Colorado; along with numerous nieces and nephews who loved him dearly and will never forget him.

A Vigil Service with Recitation of the Rosary will be held Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020, at 6 p.m. at Strohmayer’s Funeral home, 205 S Broadway, Monte Vista CO 81144.

Memorial service will be Friday, Sept. 25, 2020 at 10 a.m., also at Strohmayer’s Funeral Home. Burial to follow at a later date. The family invites you to join them in a dinner following the service at the Lariat Community Baptist Church, 431 Lincoln Ave., Monte Vista CO 81144.

Due to Covid-19 restrictions both services will be open to family first allowing up to 125 people. Masks will be required.

In honor of the love Benjie had for the Denver Broncos please wear Bronco attire both days. Services are in care of Strohmayer’s Funeral Home.