Max DaSilva was born in Brockton, MA on September 2, 1925, the second son of Miguel and Maria Mendoza DaSilva. His early years were spent in Brockton, with his brothers Leon, Orlando, Michael and Joseph. Max died peacefully in Helena, MT on September 9, 2013.
After graduating from high school in Brockton, MA in 1943, Max caught the patriotic spirit and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. While stationed at Camp Lejeune, NC he met his lifelong love and partner of 68 years, Zorka Tyanich.
Max and Zorka were soon married and welcomed their first child, Michael Joseph in early 1945. Just as the new little family was getting to know each other, Max was given orders for the South Pacific. He spent the remainder of the WWII on the islands of Guam, Saipan and Tinian while Zorka and little Michael moved to Brockton to stay with the DaSilva family.
Max was reunited with his wife and new son after the war ended, joining Zorka’s large family in Helena. Two daughters joined the family, Patricia and Maria. Max attended Business College and started his career with Caird Engineering Works, working his way from bookkeeper to office manager and Secretary/Treasurer of the corporation. He remained with Caird’s until his retirement in 1985.
Even though he settled across the country from his family and times didn’t allow for frequent visits, he remained close to his DaSilva family. He relished the times he could spend with them. He brought a bit of Massachusetts to Helena by way of obtaining seafood on a regular basis, which was not common in the 1950s and 1960s in Helena. When visiting the DaSilvas “back east” there was always a large family gathering with a clam bake that included lobsters, clams, and periwinkles.
Max was an active member of the Helena Catholic Parish and he proudly attained the 4th degree of the Knights of Columbus. He played league softball in the summer and league bowling in the winter. Golf became an interest as he neared retirement age and he often traveled around MT playing in tournaments.
His love of golf and frequent practice paid off when he scored a 100 yard Hole in One on January 14, 1994 at the Craig Ranch Golf Course in Las Vegas.
Max and Zorka were fortunate to retire relatively early and spend 25 plus years in the warmer climate of Nevada during the cold Montana winters. Zorka’s poor health kept them in Helena year round the last 4 years.
Max was most proud of the fact that he worked hard all his life to provide a good life for his family and was able to enjoy life with Zorka during his retirement years. He was a dedicated care taker for his beloved Zorka, allowing her to remain in their family home until shortly before her death in December 2012.
Max and Zorka were devoted to each other and their family. Their most memorable times were spent gathering with family which included most of Zorka’s sisters, brothers, and their families. Their own family of 5 grew to include 6 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren who were all sources of joy. You could see the love and pride in their eyes whenever any of the grandchildren, Donna (Tracey) Singer, Mick DaSilva, Tony (Casey) DaSilva, Adam (Natalie Melaschenko) Collins, Andrea Collins, and Sabina Van Tilburg came to visit, called or wrote letters. The great grands, Megan Singer, Ryan Singer, Catherine Singer, Lauren Singer, Maxx DaSilva, Maria DaSilva, Victoria DaSilva, Ava DaSilva, Isabella DaSilva and Olivia DaSilva brought delight to their ageing years. Each grand and great-grand knew their grampa and gramma, Vivo and Buba loved them “mieces to pieces”.
Max is survived by his treasured children, Michael (Judy deceased) DaSilva, Patricia DaSilva and Maria (Hans Van Tilburg) DaSilva, his brothers Orlando (Marge) DaSilva, Joseph (Toni) DaSilva, brother-in-law Peter (Pat) Tyanich, his grandchildren, great-grandchildren and many dear nieces, nephews and close family friends.
The family would like to thank the VA Montana Health Care System, Hospice of St. Peter’s and Rocky Mountain Care Center for their care during the last few weeks of Max’s life.
The family will have a private burial service for Max. Memorials may be sent to any of the above institutions.
Service Schedule
Funeral Mass
1:00 p.m
Friday September 20, 2013
Saint Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Ave
Helena , Mt 59601
Service Schedule
Funeral Mass
1:00 p.m
Friday September 20, 2013
Saint Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Ave
Helena , Mt 59601
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Nancy Tyanich says
My Dearest DaSilvas; Max was such a gentle man and had a heart of gold. He and Zorka were made for each other. He REALLY was a devoted family man. He will be missed.
Jan (Sassano) Funston says
Mike, Donna, Mick and Tony,
So sorry for your loss. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Kathleen Murphy Porter says
Dear DaSilva Family,
The world has lost 2 of the most beautiful people. Although I have lost both of my ever loving God-parents, I am so thankful that I had them in my life for so long. It was difficult for me to say one name without the other and now I know they are together again, right where they should be. I’m hoping they are in heaven, playing a game of Pinochle with the Murphy’s. My prayers go out to your family for peace in your hearts and a lifetime of loving memories.
Carol E. Kalberg Bonner says
Mike & family,
My thoughts will be with you ~
Sincerely,
Carol Bonner
Cheryl Vukasin says
Dear DaSilva Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you as a family. What a wonderful, kind and caring person Max was. What a true love story between Zorka and Max. You could see the devotion they had for each other and for their family.
Respectfully,
Cheryl Vukasin
Monte Nick says
So sorry for your loss. Max and Zorka were a good friend of the family, (Pete, Mike, Danny, Helen, and Jophine Nick. We have lost so many of the old, important family members in the recent years and a lot of the old traditions.
Take care to you all,
Monte
S. Elaine says
Michael, Maria and family,
I am so sorry for the loss of your father. I just heard the news today. There are no words that can take away the pain but may you find strength & comfort in God as he wraps his arms around you during this difficult time. Lean on Him for support. He is a comforter of all those who mourn. In His Word the Bible, He tells us to throw all our anxiety upon Him, because He cares for us, 1Peter 5:7. Isaiah 41:10. He also tells us of a brighter future when our loved ones will awake from their restful sleep to enjoy life in paradise. John 11:11; John 6:40; Revelation 21:3, 4. Many are finding solace in this promise. I pray that you will also. My thoughts will be with you and your family during this time and the times to come.