Thomas Michael Silvas

Thomas Michael Silvas

Thomas Michael Silvas, lovingly known as Tommy, passed away on May 13, 2026, at the Tucson VA Medical Center following complications after mitral valve replacement surgery. While his passing came too soon, Tommy leaves behind a legacy of laughter, loyalty, friendship, and service that will be cherished by all who knew him.

Born and raised in the San Fernando Valley, Tommy attended Bishop Alemany High School in Mission Hills. There, he played football, was an editor on the yearbook, and formed life-long friendships. Growing up, some of his favorite memories were made camping and spending time on the boat with his family. Experiences that instilled in him a deep appreciation for quality time with loved ones.

Following graduation, Tommy answered the call to serve his country by enlisting in the United States Army. He proudly served with the 82nd Airborne Division, rising to the rank of Sergeant. During his military service, he was an expert marksman and served as a Joint Fire Support Specialist, helping coordinate air support for his unit. The discipline, resilience, and selfless commitment he developed during those years remained with him for the rest of his life. Tommy carried tremendous pride in his military service and enjoyed connecting and bonding with other veterans.

After completing his military service, Tommy built a long and respected career in the HVAC industry. He took great pride in his work and earned the respect of coworkers and customers alike through his skill, integrity, and unwavering work ethic. Whether solving a problem on the job or helping mentor younger coworkers, he believed in doing things the right way and was always willing to share his knowledge with others.

Of all the titles he held throughout his life, none meant more to him than being a father. Tommy was incredibly proud of his daughter, Jaycie Silvas, his only child. The love he had for her was steadfast, and the bond they shared remained one of the greatest joys of his life.

As an adult, Tommy found happiness in life’s simple pleasures. He enjoyed relaxing at home, caring for his beloved cats, Sye and Wink, spending time with friends, and proudly attending softball games to cheer on Lina and Maleah. He never turned down a good home-cooked meal and always had a joke or story ready that could make anyone laugh.

To know Tommy was to know someone who made people feel like family. Friends describe him as truly one of a kind. He was always supportive, quick to make people smile, and could brighten challenging days with his sense of humor. His kindness, generosity, and genuine heart left a lasting impression on everyone he met. He was welcomed into countless homes, shared meals around many dinner tables, and became an honorary member of several families who loved him as one of their own.

Tommy is survived by his daughter, Jaycie Silvas; his mother, Jacqualine Stephens; his father, Thomas P. Silvas; and his sister, Katherine Silvas. He also leaves behind many beloved relatives, lifelong friends, fellow veterans, and countless others whose lives were made better simply by knowing him.

While words can never fully capture the impact Tommy had on those around him, his legacy lives on in everyone’s lives that he touched. He will be remembered as a devoted father, a proud Army veteran, a loyal friend, and a man whose generous heart and infectious spirit made the world a better place.

In true Army fashion, Tommy would probably tell us all to “suck it up and drive on.” While he may have said it with a grin, the lesson behind those words was one of resilience, perseverance, and always moving forward. He would want us to continue loving one another, sharing laughter, lending a helping hand, and living life to the fullest.

Though he no longer walks beside us, Tommy’s memory will live on in the stories we tell, the friendships he built, the family he loved, and the countless lives he made brighter simply by being himself. He will be laid to rest with military honors at the Arizona Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery at Marana.

He will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten.