Manuel A. Silva, 84, of Atascadero passed away Saturday July 17, 2010 in his home surrounded by his family ending a 14-year battle with cancer.

Manuel was born in San Jose to Rosa Carvalho and John Fraga Silva.

The family moved to the Central Coast when he was 3 years old where he resided until he moved to Atascadero in 1979.

Manuel served in the U.S. Army from 1951 to 1954 and worked as a truck driver well into his 70s. He was proud of his work and took every opportunity to “let grandpa show you a trick” by demonstrating how to check a tire or tie down a load.

Besides providing for his family, he enjoyed working in the yard and tending to the garden.

Manuel was a devout Catholic; and had been a member of St. William’s Parish since he came to Atascadero. In the last several years, he has become more involved with the social side of church and enjoyed the friendships he has developed. Hanging out around the barbecue pit with his friends and family by far was his favorite activity.

Manuel immediately became a lifelong friend to anyone he met.

He had a passion for life that he held until the very last minute of his life. His courage and strength was second to none and he really was an “Ironman.”

He was preceded in death by his parents John and Rosie Silva; his siblings John, Hank, Alfred and Millie Silva; nephews Al Silva Jr. and John Silva Jr.; his in-laws Lois and Monroe Bechtel and Brother In-law Kenneth Hagan.

Manuel will be greatly missed and leaves behind many friends and family members, including his wife of 58 years Glenda Silva; his children, Sharon (Bob) Ryan, Kevin (Joan) Silva and Becky (John) D’Ornellas; five granddaughters, a grandson and two great grandsons; many nieces, nephews and extended family.

A Rosary was be held at Chapel of the Roses in Atascadero.

A graveside service will be held at Los Osos Valley Cemetery on today at 9 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian burial held at St. William’s Parish in Atascadero at noon.

The family has asked that donations please be made in Manuel’s name to the American Cancer Society, Central Coast Surviveoars (www.surviveoars.org) or Hospice Partners of the Central Coast.