William Santos Silva

William “Will” Santos Silva, 21 of N. Stonington, passed away unexpectedly due to a car accident on Sunday, December 5, 2021. Born in Providence, RI on April 21, 2000, he was the loving son of Alcides Rocha Silva and Claire Michelle (Smith) Silva.

Will, also known as Willy by his family and friends, graduated from Ledyard High School, and Three Rivers Community College with an Associate of Science in Graphic Design. His daily mission was to enjoy life to the fullest. He loved swimming at the ocean, hiking, and was an amazing cook and baker. He also was a talented rapper and had produced 17 songs, posting several songs as Wylli World. Will had recently decided to move to Santa Barbara, CA and planned on driving across country the next day (visiting Cleveland, and Chicago along the way).

Will greeted everyone with his infectious smile and friendly manner. His hearty laugh filled a room with joy. He was extremely funny and could also be deeply serious - with philosophical conversations about life, relationships, and dynamics between people. He willingly shared his wisdom of life with others and helped them through their own personal struggles. He loved his family and friends, and automatically welcomed new friends into his inner circle.

Besides his parents, Alcides “Big Al” and Claire, he leaves his brother Nilton and sister-in-law Priscilla, and brother Janek. On his maternal side he leaves his grandmother Henny Smith, his uncle and aunt Mike and Anna Smith, and cousins Dolan and Addison. On his paternal side, he leaves his grandfather Sant, his uncles Antonio and João, and his aunts Maria de Piedade, Ortencia, Maria Livramente, Alcinda, Joana, Albertina, and countless cousins. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather Bill Smith, paternal grandmother Francisca Rita Rocha, and paternal uncle Jose Antonio Ramos.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in the name of:
William Silva Fund for the Arts and sent to Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut, 68 Federal Street, P.O. Box 769, New London, CT 06320. The Fund will support programs whose work promotes visual and performing arts to young people.

Will gave the gift of life through organ and tissue donation.

A celebration of Will’s life will be held on Saturday, December 18, 2021 at 4:00 pm at the
Buckler-Johnston Funeral Home, 121 Main St. Westerly, RI. Calling hours will be held at the funeral home from 12:00 pm (Noon) until the time of the service. The family requests that all guests wear masks while inside the funeral home. Committal services are private.

For online condolences, please visit www.buckler-johnston.com