Marcelo Silva Tamez

Marcelo Silva Tamez

Marcelo Silva Tamez of Reedley, CA entered his eternal rest on Wednesday, February 15, 2023.

Born in Montemorelos, Nuevo Leon, Mexico, on December 7, 1934, to Valeriano Silva Cavazos and Guadalupe Tamez Cavazos; Marcelo was the youngest of 7 boys. He married Maria Emelina Cavazos Silva (nicknamed Blanca) on December 29, 1957, and established a loving home in Allende, Nuevo Leon, Mexico. They started a family five years later that eventually totaled five children (three boys and two girls). Marcelo mainly worked in agriculture both in Mexico and the United States. In Mexico, he regularly drove to other towns in a fruit truck filled to the brim with various types of fruits. He would sell the fruit to eager customers who would approach after hearing his megaphone announcements returning to Allende only after all produce sold. In the U.S., in the early seventies, Marcelo was a migrant farmworker in several states including Idaho and Washington before he settled in Reedley within California’s San Joaquin Valley. In May 1975, he was able to have Blanca and the kids join him. With Marcelo’s decent command of English and the assistance of friends and employers, he was able to situate his family to help them face this new experience and thrive in such an unfamiliar environment offering them great opportunities for growth. Marcelo faced an extremely difficult challenge with Blanca’s untimely passing in 1982 after twenty-five years of marriage. At the time, four of his kids were still in the school system ranging from elementary through high school. With a great support network, Marcelo met this challenge head on providing for their needs while maintaining a very united family. Marcelo married Virginia Mayo (nicknamed Vicky) in February 1997, and formed a loving union that lasted twenty-six years. Deservedly, after having worked most of his life, Marcelo was able to enjoy more than twenty years of retirement.

Marcelo’s clear sense of responsibility, calm demeanor, kind spirit and joyful disposition made him an excellent role model for all of us. His formal education ended in the fourth grade, but life’s lessons formed him into a very smart and wise individual. Marcelo had a great work ethic and was sustained by his deep faith in God. Marcelo built a life that illustrates how such a caring and loving family member and friend can contribute to the success and wellness of those around him.

Among those remaining to continue to cherish and celebrate his memory are: his spouse Vicky Silva of Reedley, CA; his children Juan Martin Silva (Yesenia, Rebecca) of Hanford, CA, Jose Mario Silva (Juanita) of Sanger, CA, Gerardo Silva (Lissette) of Santa Clara, CA, Blanca Nelly Buller (Scott) of Templeton, CA, Veronica Stalis (George, Ron) of Dinuba, CA, Jose Luz Mayo (Monica) of Acapulco, GRO, MX; his grandchildren Virginia (Sal), Martin, Michael, Carlos (Elaine), Yeifer, Luis, Emelina (Moriah), Maria (Raul), Mario, Alyssa, Alana, Aaron (Julissa), Bianca (Martin), Brittany (Junior), Marco; his great grandchildren Jenny, Iliana, Nayeli, Romeo, Klarissa, Malikai, Levi.