Custodio Joseph Silva Sr., known as Joe, died peacefully at home on June 4, 2024 at 97.
He was born in New Bedford on Christmas Day 1926 to Custodio Charles Silva and Josephine “Josette” Tarvis, who came to America from Portugal. The Silvas ended up in Provincetown, following in the footsteps of Joseph “Sou West” Tarvis and Mary Francis Gomes. Generations of the family have remained in Provincetown.
Custodio attended the Provincetown schools, but on Dec. 23, 1944 he enlisted in the Navy. His sister accepted his diploma for him at graduation the following June.
Holding the rating of Ships Cook First Class, he was assigned to the Navy Personnel Staging Center at Pearl Harbor. He was proud to serve sailors from across the U.S. He later was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion, and the Knights of Columbus.
Following his discharge from the Navy in 1946 and his time in the Naval Reserves, Custodio became a chef at his mother’s restaurant, the Fishermen’s Cove. On his way to work each morning, he saw Gladys Tarvis riding her bicycle and asked if he could have a ride on it, too. She said no multiple times — until she didn’t. They married on July 7, 1951. Their marriage lasted for 73 years.
After the Fishermen’s Cove closed, Custodio cooked on various Provincetown boats. When he came ashore for the final time, he worked as a chef at the Bonnie Doone, the Provincetown Inn, the Town House, Stormy Harbor, and, finally, the Mayflower, from which he retired at the age of 75.
Custodio loved his children and grandchildren; he could always be found playing with his kids and attending games and concerts. He was proud of their accomplishments and was not shy about boasting of them.
Custodio is survived by his wife, Gladys, of North Truro and four of his children: Lawrence and wife Cathy of Gallatin, Tenn.; Brenda of North Truro; Custodio Jr. and wife Karen of Provincetown; and Paul and wife Maureen of Belchertown. He is also survived by 10 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.
He was predeceased by his son Timothy in 2001 and his sister Marion in 2024.
A graveside funeral service and burial took place at St. Peter the Apostle Church in Provincetown on June 10.
Donations may be made in his memory to the Shaw’s Fund for Mariners’ Children, P.O. Box 194, Newburyport 10950.
The family expressed thanks to the Rev. Kate Wilkinson, Beacon Hospice, and all who gave loving thoughts, kindness, and great care to Custodio.
