Frederick E. Silva

Frederick (Fred) Eugene Silva, 92, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 2, at Saint Elizabeth Green House Homes in East Greenwich, Rhode Island, surrounded by his four beloved children.

Born in New York City, Fred developed an early love of learning and the arts. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Albany State Teachers College (now the University at Albany - State University of New York) and went on to receive his Ph.D. from Indiana University. Fred devoted 35 years to teaching at UAlbany, where he inspired and mentored thousands of students in American literature and film studies. During his tenure, he founded and ran the Film Literature Index (Filmdex), which became a globally respected research guide for cinema and television scholars.

A lifelong lover of film, Fred was deeply influenced by the French New Wave of the early 1960s. He was an enthusiastic moviegoer, often traveling to New York City and beyond to see limited releases, and he delighted in conversations about the language of cinema and the simple joy of movies. A man of sharp intellect and even sharper wit, Fred’s dry sense of humor and gentle wise-cracking never left him, remaining very much part of who he was until the end of his life.

Fred spent most of his adult life in Albany, New York, where he and his wife of 52 years, Joan Carlin Silva, raised their family. Joan predeceased him in 2008. He is survived by his children, David Silva (Paula) of San Antonio, Texas; Katherine Bowen (Mark) of North Kingstown, Rhode Island; Stephen Silva of Denver, Colorado; and Elizabeth Roberts (David) of Washington, D.C.; and by his nine beloved grandchildren: Sean and Alison Silva; Adam and Amelia Bowen; Madeline and Nicholas Silva; and William, George, and Carlin Roberts; as well as his nephews, Nathaniel and Adam Silva of Ontario, Canada.

The family extends deep gratitude to the staff at Saint Elizabeth Green House Homes and HopeHealth Hospice for the kindness, compassion, and dignity they showed Fred and his family. 

In lieu of flowers, those who wish to honor Fred’s memory may consider a donation to the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York, a cause that reflects his care for others. 

The burial will be private with a celebration of life planned for early summer.