Renato O. Silva

WEST BOYLSTON - Renato Oliveira Silva, 69, a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 19, surrounded by his loving family at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston.

Born in Terceira before being raised in Faial - both picturesque islands of the Azores - Renato was the beloved son of the late Jose B. and Cora Z. (Zulmira) Silva. Even as a child, he carried with him an innate sense of kindness, determination, and an unwavering dedication to those he loved. At the age of 15, he and his family made the courageous journey to the United States, settling in the Boston area, where they built a life filled with opportunity, hard work, and enduring family values.

In 1976, fate brought Renato together with the love of his life, Cidalia Mendonca. From the moment they met, their connection was undeniable-a love built on mutual respect, laughter, and an unbreakable bond. On November 4, 1978, they exchanged vows at St. Anthony's Church in Cambridge, embarking on a lifelong journey of devotion and companionship. They began their married life in a three-family home, surrounded by relatives in a vibrant Portuguese neighborhood, where they nurtured their growing family and formed lifelong friendships.

In 1988, seeking to provide their children with a home filled with warmth and opportunity, Renato and Cidalia moved to Billerica. There, they embraced their community, making lasting connections and creating a household filled with love, laughter, and treasured traditions. For 36 years, their home was a gathering place for family celebrations, where the sounds of joy, heartfelt conversations, and the aroma of home-cooked Portuguese meals filled the air. Most recently, they relocated to West Boylston to be closer to their greatest blessings-their beloved grandchildren.

Renato's work ethic and passion for learning were evident throughout his distinguished career. At the young age of 16, he began working at Hewlett-Packard, taking his first steps into the computer industry. With relentless dedication, he pursued his education at Northeastern University in the evenings, earning his degree in industrial electronics. Over the course of 45 years, his expertise and diligence left a lasting mark on the industry, culminating in his well-earned retirement from Philips Healthcare in 2015.

Beyond his professional achievements, Renato found immense fulfillment in his faith and heritage. A proud member of Clube Desportivo Faialense in Cambridge, he cherished his cultural roots and the friendships formed within the community. An avid soccer fan, Renato would never miss a game of his beloved Benfica or the Portuguese National Team. He was also a longtime member of St. Theresa's Church in Billerica, where his faith remained a guiding light throughout his life.

Renato and his loving wife Cidalia, fulfilled their lifelong dream of buying a second home to spend their retirement years in Renato's home island of Faial, Azores in the summer of 2021. It was of the utmost importance to him to remodel the home for his children and grandchildren to utilize for years to come. He would often say to his children, "This will be my legacy."

Above all, Renato's greatest joy came from being surrounded by his family. He was a devoted father and an adoring grandfather, treasuring every moment spent with his children and grandchildren. Whether celebrating the holidays, traveling on unforgettable family vacations-including cherished cruises, a magical trip to Disney, and many summers spent at HP's Club Sandwich on Cape Cod-or simply gathering for a Sunday meal, he radiated warmth and love. His gentle spirit, quiet strength, and unwavering devotion to his loved ones will forever be remembered and deeply missed.

He leaves behind his beloved wife of 46 years, Cidalia M. (Mendonca) Silva; his son, Renato M. Silva of Billerica; his daughter, Joia C. Mercurio and her husband Daniel of West Boylston; two brothers, Edgar J. Silva of Providence and Helder F. Silva of New Bedford; a sister, Cora Maria Madruga of Faial, Azores; and his cherished grandchildren, Dario P., Nico J., and Mariana G. Mercurio, who brought endless joy to his life. He is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, and extended family both in the United States and Portugal. In addition to his parents, he was welcomed into eternal peace by his late brother, Mario J. Silva.

Family and friends are invited to gather and celebrate Renato's life during visiting hours from 9 to 11 a.m. on Wednesday, February 26, at Miles-Sterling Funeral and Tribute Center, 100 Worcester Road in Sterling. A procession will then follow to Our Lady of Good Counsel Church, 111 Worcester St., West Boylston, where a Catholic Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:30 a.m.

Though he has departed from this world, Renato's legacy of love, faith, and kindness will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know him.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Renato O. Silva, to the American Liver Foundation: liverfoundation.org