Anthony Silva

On Saturday, February 25, 2023, Anthony David Silva Jr. passed away at the age of 53. Anthony was born in Santa Fe, NM on April 19, 1969, to Anthony David Silva Sr. and Lorraine (Montoya) Silva. He was a proud member of the 1986 Demon football team and the class of 1987. He went on to receive his bachelor’s degree in mathematics and secondary education from New Mexico State University in 1993. Anthony was hired right after graduation by Santa Fe Public Schools. He joined the teaching staff at Capshaw Junior High where he taught and coached alongside his father. For 26 years, Anthony taught math, Algebra, and Geometry at Capshaw, Santa Fe High School, and Milagro Middle School. His students will remember the roller coater project and his ability to solve a Rubik’s cube. When Anthony retired in 2020, he estimated that he had taught more than 3000 students. Even after he retired, he kept tutoring and volunteering because he could not walk away from his students.

As proud as he was to be a teacher, Anthony was even prouder of his role as a son, husband, father, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin, and friend. He married Ellen Michelle Moffitt in June of 1994 and they were fortunate to share nearly 29 years of marriage as best friends and soulmates. Their life together was full of happiness and fun and the comfort of just being together. When their son Anthony David Silva III, Trey, was born on May 17, 1999, Anthony was so excited that he took a year off from teaching so he could stay home with his baby. Trey was the light of his life.

Anthony loved sports but his passion was the Buffalo Bills and he followed them for nearly four decades. Anthony gave that same dedication to his friends. He loved trips to Las Vegas and playing basketball, fishing, golfing, and kayaking. He was kind and giving. His eyes would sparkle with laughter and he loved to be in on a joke. Anthony made family out of his friends and they were so important to him whether he had known them for a year or for fifty.

Anthony was preceded in death by his father David. He is survived by and was a devoted son to his mother Lorraine. Anthony is also survived by his wife, Michelle, his son, Trey, and Jasmine DeLeon, who he thought of as his daughter, and his mother-in-law Glenda. Anthony leaves behind many whom he loved: his sister Rebecca (Klein) and husband Chris, and his nieces Audra and Aleah; his sister Laura (Conley) and husband Robert, and his nieces Brooke and Maddie; brother James (Moffitt) and wife Cynthia, and his nephews Henry and Ian. He is also survived by numerous uncles, aunts, and cousins as well as his godchildren Jessica and Lenin Armendariz, Mateo Apodaca, and Dominique Martinez. Our hearts are broken and his passing has left such a void. We were blessed to have him, will cherish our memories forever, and look forward to the time when we can be with him again.

A rosary will be held Saturday, March 4, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Santa Cruz NM to be followed by the funeral services at 11:00 a.m. Everyone is invited to attend and help us celebrate a man who meant so much to so many. The family requests that flowers be delivered to the home or as an alternative, please consider donating to Santa Fe Partners in Education at https://donatenow.networkforgood.org/sfpartners?code=main_nav in Anthony’s name.