BREWSTER - Ernest C. DeSilva, Jr., 89, of Brewster died peacefully at home on August 13, 2019 surrounded by his children. Born in Provincetown, he was the son of the late Ernest C. and Mary (Lema) DeSilva. He was the loving husband of the late Barbara Gail DeSilva.

Upon graduating from Provincetown High School in 1948, Ernie joined the U.S. Army and attained the rank of Sergeant. During his time in the service, he was predominantly stationed in Germany, where he served as a radio repairman in armored vehicles. He was honorably discharged in 1952.

After his military service, Ernie moved back to Cape Cod and eventually settled in West Yarmouth. In 1955, he married Barbara and enjoyed 56 years of marriage, until Barbara’s passing in 2011. He worked for New England Bell & Telegraph for 39 years, retiring in 1991. For many years, he also served as an officer for the Cape Cod/Southern MA Chapter of the Lupus Association, where he would increase awareness and provide resources to those affected by lupus.

In retirement, Ernie enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, “puttering” around the house, fixing things that may not need fixing. He especially enjoyed his time playing bocce with a special group of friends, known as the “Bocce Boys”. On rainy days, they would play billiards and solve the world’s problems. He spent the last few years in Stuart & Jensen Beach, Florida.

Ernie’s wonderful sense of humor and consistent positive outlook on life will be forever missed. He is survived by two daughters; Tracy Ann Bowman of Buzzards Bay and Heatherlee Vermette of West Yarmouth; a son, Peter R. DeSilva of Hanover; four grandchildren, Tyler J. and Morgan A. Vermette, Dayna E. Bowman, and Matthew H. DeSilva, to whom he was lovingly known as “Grumpy”. He is also survived by his sister Rachel Cordeiro. In addition to his wife Barbara, Ernie was predeceased by his siblings Herman DeSilva and Alberta Fields.

The family would like to thank Broadreach Hospice of North Chatham and the staff at Maplewood at Brewster for their support and compassionate care.

A Memorial Service will be held at 2 PM on Saturday, September 28, 2019 in the Hallett Funeral Home, 273 Station Avenue, South Yarmouth. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution to support your local Hospice organization.

So very sorry to hear of the passing of our Dear Friend Ernie. We have missed him since he left to leave for residence in Florida. He certainly was greatly missed by the "Bocce Boys" and their wives. We are unable to attend the Service for Ernie on September 28 as we will be out-of-town that weekend. You are all in our thoughts and our prayers. Florence & George Hodkinson

We are so very sorry for your loss. He was a good friend and wonderful human being. We will miss him. John Hendricksen and Diane Martin