Benjamin James Silva

Benjamin James Silva

Benjamin James Silva

Sunrise: April 10, 1948

Sunset: June 20, 2026

Benjamin James Silva (Ben) passed away unexpectedly on June 20, 2026, at the age of 78.

Ben was born on April 10, 1948 in Southampton, New York to Peter Silva and Loretta Hunter Silva, who preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by his sisters, Patricia Hopson and Tamara Silva, and his brother, David Silva. He was also preceded in death by his brother-in-law Skip Hopson and sisters-in-law, Carol Silva and Judy Silva.

He is survived by his loving daughter, Tiana Morano; his son-in-law, Louis Morano; his cherished grandsons, Brandon and Grayson; his former wife, Elysa Sunshine, and her husband, Wayne Parsons. Although Ben and Elysa’s marriage ended many years ago, they remained family, bound by love, respect, and their shared devotion to those they loved. He is also survived by his brother, Peter Silva Jr., his sisters, Darlene Troge and Denise Silva-Dennis, and his brothers-in-law, David Troge and Avery Dennis Jr.; and his beloved nieces and nephews, including his goddaughter Danielle Hopson Begun, Scott Hopson, David Taobi Silva, Heather Silva Trenholm, Adrienne Star Silva, Kelly Dennis, Tela Troge, Alexander Troge, and Jeremy Dennis.

Ben, also known as Flaming Arrow, was a proud member of the Shinnecock Indian Nation and Hassanamisco Nipmuc Nation, always adding to his regalia to be ready for the next powwow. He was known for his adaptation of the Hunter's Dance and would sing

Kayowajineh, the “Canoe Song”, at family funerals. Benjamin carried the strength and traditions of his ancestors throughout his life. His family finds comfort in knowing that he has returned to the Great Spirit and has been reunited with those who went before him.

Ben served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War and later served in the National Guard. His service to his country was a source of great pride throughout his life. Ben was stationed at Okinawa, Japan. Decades later he revisited while employed at Pan American Airlines with Elysa. They also traveled to Africa, China and Brazil.

Ben graduated from Southampton High School in the 1960s and enjoyed attending High School reunions in the 2000s. Ben attended State University of New York at Old Westbury. He didn't graduate from there, but he brought home Big Red, a huge racing quarterhorse that he loved to ride at full speed at the potato fields that once covered the reservation. Ben graduated from Southampton College with a BA and Professor John Strong remembered once on a very warm day, Ben entered the class through a large opened window courtesy of Big Red standing just outside.

In the 1970s, Ben was one of four young men (including Brad Smith, Gerrod Smith and Ruben "Tiger" Valdez) of Shinnecock selected to attend the Lummi Indian School of Aquaculture at Bellingham, Washington. There they studied the growing of oysters and returned to the newly created Oyster Project to grow oysters at Heady Creek and Shinnecock Bay. Not since the whaling days had the Shinnecock Nation returned to the seas with hope for economic, sustainable development.

Later, Ben was excited to be a Park Ranger at Sagamore Hill National Historic Site at Oyster Bay, which was President Theodore Roosevelt's former home.

At the time of his passing, Ben was proudly serving as a school bus driver for the East Hampton School District, where he had dedicated more than 20 years to safely transporting generations of students.

One of Ben’s greatest accomplishments was his recovery. He celebrated 44 years of sobriety, a testament to his strength, perseverance, and determination. His journey inspired many and reflected the resilience that defined his character.

Ben enjoyed good food, simple routines, and spending time with those he loved. He will be remembered for his kind heart, his enduring spirit, and the love he had for his family.

Ben will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever carried in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.