Obituaries : * John E. Silva; Professional Musician to Leading Legends

John E. Silva, a musician and longtime Thousand Oaks resident, died Tuesday following a lengthy illness. He was 82.

Silva, who was born in Minturn, Calif., moved to Thousand Oaks 23 years ago from Woodland Hills.

He was a self-employed professional musician for 65 years, having played with a number of musical legends, including Benny Goodman, Jimmy Durante, Julie Andrews, Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett and Sammy Davis Jr.

Silva played the trumpet in movies and theater, and in bands for television and radio shows, including “The Danny Thomas Show,” “The Frances Langford-Don Ameche Show” and “The Gordon McRae Railroad Hour.” He played lead trumpet on “The Polka Parade” television program for 13 years and played briefly in the Glenn Miller Band during World War II.

Silva also played the trumpet in orchestras for ice-skating shows and the circus when they performed in California. For the past 20 years, he played lead trumpet for the Joe Moshay Orchestra, a Beverly Hills-based ensemble that played at celebrity functions. For the past year, he had taught trumpet at the Village Music Guild in Agoura Hills.

“He enjoyed music because it made people happy,” said his daughter, Marcia McKean of Newbury Park. “That’s what he always said.”

Silva was also a mechanic and master machinist, having worked on Lockheed aircraft during World War II. He was a member of the Steam Automobile Club of America and of St. Julie Billiart Catholic Church in Newbury Park. He was also an avid bicyclist and swimmer.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Melba Silva. In addition to his daughter, he is survived by his son, Michael Silva of Visalia, and his grandsons: Dan and Tom McKean, both of San Francisco, Michael McKean of San Diego, and Shawn Silva of Colorado.

Rosary and funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. today at St. Julie Billiart Catholic Church. Burial will be in Conejo Mountain Memorial Park in Camarillo.

Arrangements are under the direction of Conejo Mountain Memorial Park and Funeral Home in Camarillo.