Armindo Da Silva

August 15, 1927 - November 6, 2020

Armindo Da Silva, 93, of Newark, sadly passed away on Friday, November 6, 2020 at Beth Israel Hospital, Newark, NJ. Born in Britelo-Ponte da Barca, Portugal on August 15, 1927 to the late Cecilia de Jesus & Antonio Jose Da Silva, Armindo emigrated to New York City when he was 40 years old and lived and raised his family there with his devoted wife, Aurora Sousa Da Silva of 90 years old. Sadly, he is preceded in death by both his parents and siblings, Dulce dos Prazeres Da Silva, Jose Maria Da Silva, Orlando Da Silva, Manuel Da Silva, and Julio Da Silva. Armindo is survived by his loving wife and childhood sweetheart Aurora Da Silva. They would have celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary, March 2021, and were very much in love. Armindo is also survived by his loving children Cecilia Silva Alves and Armindo DaSilva Jr. and his wife, Debra DaSilva. Dear brother to Aurora Da Silva and Celestino Da Silva and sister-in-law Leopoldina Sousa Ferreira and Damasio Ferreira (husband). Grandfather to his six loving grandchildren and their respective spouses– Jennifer Alves-Cedeno and Carlos Cedeno (husband), Daniel Alves, Nelson DaSilva and Summer DaSilva (wife), Maybelle Gambrill and Ernest Gambrill (husband), Amanda DaSilva and Danielle Johnson and Eric Johnson (husband). Great-grandfather to Maleigha, Isabelle and Julian Gambrill, Arabella Aurora Hamidi and Nolan and Eva Johnson. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews and loving friends. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him. Armindo loved life and cherished his family to the fullest. He was honored to be the patriarch, father, grandfather and great-grandfather to our family and has been a major presence in the lives of his children and grandchildren; they were the “apple of his eye.” He stood firm in times of stress, and celebrated fiercely in time of joy. He was level-minded, practical and often sought out for his pearls of wisdom and leadership. He was a French-trained professional Chef employed in Lisbon, Paris, New York City and South Hampton. He had the pleasure to cook for many dignitaries, politicians and celebrities including Frank Sinatra, Dustin Hoffman, Ginger Rogers, Barbara Walters and President Nixon. Armindo was also an avid storyteller, wine and cheese connoisseur and passionate about gardening, agriculture and Mediterranean cuisine. Some of his hobbies included watching Benfica his favorite soccer team play, following the NJ Devils, listening to traditional folkloric, classic and country music, winemaking, and baking his favorite gourmet pastries like chocolate and cheese souffles, apple and pumpkin pies and his “famous” birthday ice cream cake. The family wishes to thank you for your love and support at this time. For those desiring, in lieu of flowers, please consider donations of your favorite cookbooks or recipes that may be mailed to 1121 Elizabeth Avenue, Elizabeth, NJ 07201 or donations to Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America at https://myasthenia.org/. Because of the pandemic, the funeral services are going to be private for the immediate family. Although our hearts are heavy, we will celebrate his life and find comfort that he is in heaven watching over us. A “Celebration of Life” memorial will be scheduled at a later date in the spring to honor his life with the larger community. For further information and to share a fond memory, please visit www.gornyandgornyfuneralhome.com