George William Silva, a lifelong resident of Forest Park, died on Feb. 6, 2020. Born on April 24, 1959 to Maria and the late Hernan Silva, he attended St. Bernardine School and Proviso East High School and eventually opened his own automotive repair shop in Forest Park. George’s Automotive Service has operated in the alley of 7222 Madison St. since June 9, 1985. When not fixing cars, he enjoyed racing American sedans, collecting Matchbox toy cars, and listening to Rush, Pearl Jam, and XRT.
George was the father of Alexandra Silva, Robert Silva, and Stephanie Hahn-Silva, and the godfather of Michael Pascua. George was the older brother of Nancy Silva and Margie Zilligen, the uncle of Sean, Mallory, Courtney, and Rachel Zilligen, the nephew of David Silva, the cousin of Teresa and Anise Silva, and friend to many.
In lieu of flowers, the family appreciates donations to organizations George supported over the years: St. Bernardine’s Catholic Church and the Forest Park Kiwanis Club.
Visitations will be held on Friday, Feb. 14 at Zimmerman Harnett Funeral Home in Forest Park, 4-8 p.m., and Saturday, Feb. 15 from 9:30 to 11 a.m., with a memorial service beginning at 11 a.m., followed by interment at Queen of Heaven Cemetery.
