Our Staff

Lawrence J. Quintal,

Owner and Funeral Director, Type 3

Larry learned his trade with a Funeral Home in the East Bay area from 1994-2001. In 2001, to further his knowledge on assisting families in a time of grief, he joined the professional staff of the Russell J. Boyle & Son Funeral Homes in both Providence & Warwick, RI. He later made his way to Massachusetts and became employed by the Silva Funeral Home of Taunton.

A native of Dighton, Massachusetts, he is a 1990 graduate of Dighton-Rehoboth Vocational High School, with a diploma in Machine & Tool Making, and Auto Mechanics. 

Lawrence graduated in 2002, with an Associate Degree in Applied Science in Funeral Service. 

He has been involved in the funeral profession his entire life. He previously was employed with his father's company, Quintal Burial Vault Company of Dighton MA and was the former owner of Lawrence Burial Vault Co. of Swansea MA. 

He is a licensed funeral director and embalmer in both Rhode Island and Massachusetts; is a member of the National Funeral Directors Association and  President of The Prince Henry Society of Taunton from 2020-2022, and was awarded The Portuguese-American of the year in 2020, a high honor by the society.  He is also a a board member of the Taunton Area  Chamber of Commerce as well as a communicant of Saint Anthony Church. Larry was elected to serve on the Taunton City Council from 2022-2024.  

Larry was a former board member and Instructor of FINE Mortuary College in Norwood, a former parishioner of St. Jean the Baptiste Church, and a former board member of the St. Mary of the Bay and St. Jean Cemeteries in Warren. 

Larry is also the owner of L. Quintal Mortuary Service, LLC., a caring and professional service to assist other funeral professionals in both MA & RI.

When asked, "What is it like being a Funeral Director?" two thoughts come to mind: When I was a young boy I helped my father and his staff remove and transport 101 Catholic Nun's bodies that were entombed in the late 1800's and early 1900's in the old Notre Dame Church in Fall River MA, that burned to the ground and later was built in a new location in Fall River. I was able to see how Funeral Directors laid to rest people in the early days of funeral service. The other was when I was called upon to handle the funeral arrangements of the tragic death of my best friend's daughter who was only 3. I handled everything from the transport of her body from the hospital, to her burial at the cemetery. Just three days prior she was over my house playing with my children. The hardest part was when I placed her little body in her white casket. I almost left the funeral profession after her funeral. It was when my friend and his family told me, "She looked like an angel. Thank God we were able to see her one last time, we could not have gone through it without you", that I decided to stay in the profession. We still remain best friends to this day; he since has had two children. 

Funeral Directors don't have an easy job. We take on the pain, and sadness of others day after day. We must be the ones to stay strong, which is not always easy. What makes it worth it, is when a family says those simple words, "THANK YOU, you made it easier for my family."

Larry is the husband of Christine (DeLawrence) Quintal, also a funeral director and embalmer and co-owner of Silva Funeral Home, he has three daughters, Alyssa, Victoria, Kirstie, step children Emily, Ally and Tyler. 

He is a classic muscle car owner and enthusiast, his interests include, Auto mechanics, dirt bike riding, attending classic car shows, going for walks with his dog Nissa. He also enjoyed  boating and fishing with his most faithful boating partner, his late dog Candie. Larry and his wife Christine live in the residency above the funeral home.

Amy L. Silva Rigtrup

Owner and Funeral Director, Type 3

Amy is a fifth generation Silva family funeral director, the great great granddaughter of Mariano J. Silva, who founded the first Silva Funeral Home in Fall River, MA in 1890.  She grew up in the Silva-Faria Funeral Home in Fall River and was a graduate of BMC Durfee High School, Class of 1997.  Amy started helping out in the funeral home - organizing records - during high school, then spent five years working various jobs on Block Island, RI, before the loss of a dear friend’s father led to Amy viewing the role of a funeral director, specifically her father’s, in a different light.  Under the guidance of Professor John Tormey, she enrolled in the Thanatology program at Bristol Community College, a program that cemented her passion for the funeral industry. After receiving her Certificate of Thanatology in 2002, she enrolled in FINE Mortuary College, Norwood, MA where she earned her Associates Degree in Mortuary Science in 2005. 

Alongside her father, Paul F. Silva and her uncles, Richard H. Silva and Martin A. Silva, she served hundreds of families in their time of need at the Silva-Faria Funeral Homes in Fall River and Somerset.

She actively serves on the BMC Durfee High School Class of 1997 Reunion and Scholarship Committee as well as the Boys and Girls Club of Fall River’s Alumni Fundraising Committee.

In 2015, she was the proud recipient of the Outstanding Woman of Family Business from the MA Family Business Association.

From January of 2015 to October of 2016, Amy hosted The Silva Lining radio show on 1480 WSAR. The show covered everything about death, dying, grief and funerals in an informal setting as a means to help combat the stigma and taboo myths surrounding a topic that, though difficult to talk about, is something everyone goes through in life. Her shows are all available as podcasts and summarized on her blog, www.thesilvalining.org

Amy is honored for the opportunity to continue the Silva family legacy in Taunton and provide its community with heartfelt, quality and personalized care during life’s most difficult milestone. 

Society tends to assume that funeral directors see nothing but tragedy and sadness. Amy finds solace in the elements she sees that most don’t realize. Almost every day, Amy bears witness to the products of love after decades of marriage; family and community outpourings of support; the reminder that life is precious and the realization that love and grief go hand in hand. If it weren’t for the knowledge of impending grief, we would not love as deeply as we do and our grief is a testament to the love we shared.

She enjoys knitting, has a passion for theatre and dance, and loves a good book. Amy is the wife of Jonathan J. Rigtrup and mother of twin sons, Greyson and Joseph, and her daughter Cecelia.

Christine M. Quintal

Owner and Funeral Director, Type 3

Born in Taunton and raised in Dighton, Christine was employed as a dance instructor with Susan Winter School of Dance for 20 years. She received so much joy and love teaching children the art of dancing, but knew in her heart that she wanted to do even more with her life.

With compassion and grief in her heart, she always felt she should be a caregiver, a person that could be there in times of grief, someone to lean on. The one profession that always came to her mind was funeral directing; to care for those who needed help and guidance through such a difficult time.

Christine began her career in funeral service in 2009 apprenticing for O’Neill-Hayes Funeral Home, Newport, RI, while attending Bristol Community College where she graduated with a certificate in Thanatology. She was taught the trade and guided by her husband Larry. Christine graduated with an Associate Degree in Applied Science in Funeral Service. She was employed with Russell J. Boyle and Son Funeral Home, , RI, as a licensed RI funeral director and embalmer.

She received her MA Funeral Director and Embalmer License and became employed by the Silva Funeral Home.

People often ask her why she became a funeral director. Her response is the same every time. Since I was a young girl I always knew I wanted to be a funeral director, it just had to be the right time in my life to pursue it. Christine is a member of the Prince Henry Society of Taunton and a communicant of Saint Anthony Church.

Christine is the wife of fellow owner, Lawrence Quintal; she has three children, Tyler, Allyson and Emily; and three step-children, Alyssa, Victoria and Kirstie. Christine and Larry live in the residency above the funeral home.

David J. Hunter

Funeral Director, Type 6

" We feel honored to have David part of our team. David shares the same caring and compassion manner towards families that has built our reputation since 1934."

David was raised and grew up in Mansfield, graduating from Mansfield High School. While he was in his junior year of high school, David had the opportunity to shadow one of his father’s best friends, Christopher P. Goulet, Sr., who owns a funeral home in the Boston area. Seeing the quality of service that Chris provided people in their time of need inspired him to pursue a career in the funeral service profession.

He attended and graduated from the former Mount Ida College in Newton, MA, receiving his degree in Mortuary Science. While in school he was a member of the Pi Sigma Eta Fraternity, and he received the Mu Sigma Alpha Award for academic excellence. Upon his completion of his two-year apprenticeship in MA, David received his Funeral Director/Embalmer License in both MA and RI.

Outside of work David enjoys kayaking, riding his bike, watching sports, and travelling to destinations throughout the New England area. 

Nissa “Tank” Quintal 2018-2023

Therapy Dog

Linda Henriques

Secretary/Record Keeper

Linda worked at Princes House for 15 years as a glass cutter until they moved the company to North Carolina.

She started working for the City of Taunton in the Retirement Board then she transferred over to the Taunton Police Department as Head Administrator to the Chief of Police. Linda retired after 30 years of service.

She now is employed with Silva Funeral Home as a secretary and record keeper.

We felt very privileged when Linda joined us. She  is kind, hardworking and most of all we love working with her each and every day. She has been married to David for over ten years.

Aurora Resendes

Visitation Managing Assistant/House Keeping .

Aurora has been employed with H & L Bloom, Inc for 30  years and has been awarded with the Safe Driving Award each year for 19 years, since the program started. She also has worked for the Silva Funeral Home for over 35 years. She is the familiar face you see when attending services. During  the visitation, Aurora goes over and beyond to make sure families and guests are as comfortable as can be. Our funeral home is always beautiful because of her hard work. She spends countless hours making sure everything is neat and clean. (We really don't know how she does it.) Aurora once said; any difference she can make to help a family feel at home during a difficult time is all that matters. We are so proud of her dedication for all these years, she is a major part of this funeral home. While not working, she enjoys ice and roller skating with her  granddaughter, and enjoys walking. spending time with her family, especially her two beautiful grandchildren.

David Henriques

Funeral Assistant/Vehicle Fleet Manager

David worked at Reed and Barton’s for 13 years as a jack laid operator.He worked in Attleboro polishing Gold and Silver. He then started Dave’s Car Care in 1985 and in 1994  started working for Silva Funeral Home as their Vehicle Fleet Manager, Now Dave is a Funeral Assistant as well as the vehicle fleet manager. David has been married to Linda for 10+ years. On his time off he enjoys taking long rides in his vintage 1993 Chevy Corvette. All of our vehicles are always in such nice condition because of how much of a stickler he is. David's hard work is well respected by us, but most of all his many years of dedication do not go unnoticed.

William Sousa

Licensed Funeral Assistant

Before retiring, Bill was the owner of Modern Construction Company, and over the years did many of the remodels to the funeral home. Bill is a familiar face when you attend funerals. He is always there to greet people. Bill goes over and beyond to ensure each family is well taken care of. While not working Bill enjoys motorcycling , fishing and spending time with his family especially his dog Callie, a rescue dog from California.

John Correia

Licensed Funeral Assistant/ Visitation Parking Attendant

John is a life long resident of Taunton and graduate of Taunton High School. He then went on to further his education at Coyne Electric School in Boston to become a license electrician.

He served on the Taunton Municipal Council as well as several electrical boards.

When asked what he liked about working at the funeral home, it was clear his passion and kindness for people stood out over all else.

He has one daughter, Kate and enjoys boating, fishing, and golfing. John is a parishioner of Holy Family Church, East Taunton.

John is the familiar face you see assisting when guests pull into our parking lot. We are very happy to have John part of our staff, he believes in giving people the service they deserve.

With the natural skills he has in funeral service we hope that some day John becomes a Licensed Funeral Director, 

Humberto Correia

Licensed Funeral Assistant/Maintenance Supervisor

Sgt. Major (Ret) Kenneth Carr

Funeral Assistant

Ken is no stranger to funeral service, after a life-long career with the Army National Guard retiring as Sgt. Major, Ken worked for another  funeral home for over 20 years. He scheduled the workers and assisted on funeral's . Ken felt it was time for a change, and in 2018 being a dear friend of Larry, Christine and Amy he decided to work with the Silva Funeral Home. Even after the loss of his son and is sometimes hard, Ken finds the strength  to still help families during the time of loss. Ken is a communicant of Saint Andrew the Apostle Church in Taunton. During the winter months, he and his wife Pauline vacation in Florida.

Pauline Carr

Visitation Assistant

Pauline is a familiar face in the community. She worked for another funeral home for several years, assisting families during the visitation. We were very happy when she decided to join the staff here at Silva Funeral Home. After the loss of her beloved son, she knows exactly what families are going through. Though it is sometimes hard for her, she finds the strength to help others. We are very happy to have Pauline be part of our staff. During the winter months, she vacations in Florida with her husband Ken.

Alan Voll

Funeral Assistant

Tony Nunes

Funeral Assistant

Tony was born and raised in Taunton. Graduated from Monsignor Coyle High School and Providence College with a degree in Modern Languages/Portuguese and Spanish. His teaching career spans 44 years as teacher, department head and administrator. He is fluent in both Portuguese and Spanish. In retirement he still teaches part time, enjoys traveling and spending summers in the Azores on the island of Faial. He is a parishioner and lector at Annunciation of the Lord Church in Taunton. He enjoys being of service, helping others and being a funeral assistant allows him to do just that. We are proud to have Tony as part of our staff, he is a very caring person.

Kevin Kiernan

Funeral Assistant

James Dykas

Funeral Assistant

    Jim is a graduate of Southeastern Massachusetts University where he earned a bachelor degree in Business finance.  He obtained a masters degree in Criminal Justice from Anna Maria college.  

     He is a retired police officer having served 35 years with the Taunton Police Department as a detective in the major crimes division.

     He is vice President of the Polish American Citizen's in Taunton and has been a member of the Taunton Lodge of Elks for 42 years.

     Jim was a life long communicant of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Parish before its closure and is now a member of St Mary's in Norton.

     He resides in Taunton with his wife, Susan. He has four children and two grandchildren. We are fortunate that Jim didn't want to fully retire, Jim is a valued Funeral Assistant, he is devoted and caring, He is another perfect fit.

Tony Melo

Funeral Assistant

Tony is the Sexton of Christ Church in Swansea, and is a communicant of Saint John of God Church in Somerset, MA. He enjoys spending time with his family, traveling to Canada and working in his yard. After the loss of his wife "The love of his life"in 2019, and being a dear friend of Larry Quintal, Tony thought that being a part of the funeral home would help families during the time of their loss. Fully understanding just how they feel and giving hope to them. 

Walter Doraz

Funeral Assistant

Walter was born and raised in North Dighton, a graduate of Monsignor James Coyle High School and Bryant University . He is a proud Veteran of the Vietnam Conflict  having served  in the Air Force for four Years . Walter retired in 2013 working as an automotive controller for 40 years. After retiring in 2013 he spends six  months  at his Florida home during the winter. When his dad passed away in 2015, with the care and compassion he felt, Walter expressed his interest in becoming a funeral assistant.  He believed he could help families during the time of their loss. Walter was right. He has a natural gift of making people comfortable. We are very happy he wanted to become part of our staff. Walter is also a communicant of Saint Nicholas of Myra Church. When not working, Walter enjoys car cruising with his classic corvette.

Terry Crockett

Visitation Assistant

Terry served an apprenticeship in funeral service with  Clay Funeral Home in Maine in 1968, making his way to Rhode Island and continuing with the Russell J. Boyle & Son Funeral Home, prior to becoming a police officer with the Providence PD. He is  a Veteran of the US Air Force, an active member of The First Congregational Church "The Stone Church" in Raynham, where he also serves as a Trustee. Terry is a familiar  face at Morton Hospital being a volunteer  for over 15 years. He is a 50 year member of the Masonic Lodge. In his spare time he enjoy's reading and gardening. Terry has been a trusted friend for many years, we appreciate all of his service he provides to families.

Kay Butler

Hair Stylist

1939-2020

"Kay, thank you for the life time of memories, and for your dedication." 

Catherine “Kay” S. (Florence) Butler, age 81 of Taunton, passed away on Saturday morning, December 26, 2020 in her residence with her loving family by her side. She was the beloved wife of the late Norman A. Butler (TFD) Retired. Kay was born in Taunton, the daughter of the late Charles and Jennie (DeSa) Florence.

Kay was a self -employed  hairdresser  for over 62 years , She was also a valued employee and friend of Silva Funeral Home of 58 years. Kay was very involved with the Polish community, a member or the prayer shawl group and with the Polish Picnic committee.  Kay enjoyed bingo, going to the casino and traveling. Most of all she enjoyed having lunch with all of her special friends.

Kay is survived by her loving nephew and caretaker Michael  Rezendes , Sr. and his wife Melissa, a sister Barbara Rezendes  and her husband Bing of Taunton, two brothers, Charles Florence and his wife Jean of Taunton and William Florence of Cape Cod. She is also survived by a great-niece and  nephew  Chelsey  Rezendes and Michael Rezendes, Jr.  Mrs. Butler was also the  aunt of the late James Florence and a life- long friend of the late Janet Roza.

Mrs. Butler’s  funeral will be held on Thursday, December  31, 2020 at 7:30 am from The Silva Funeral Home 80 Broadway (at Saint Mary’s Square) Taunton, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 9 am in Saint Anthony Church School Street, Taunton. Interment will follow in Saint Joseph Cemetery. Visiting hours were held on Wednesday, December 30^th  from  4 to 7 pm in the Silva Funeral Home.(Additional parking with handicap access is located on the North side of the Funeral Home.)

During all the services, facial coverings and social distancing will be required.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts made to; Saint Jude Children’s Research Hospital 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105 (stjude.org) in Kay’s memory, would be deeply appreciated.

Maria Torres

Funeral Assistant/ Spanish Community Advocate & Translator

Before retiring, Maria was employed with Citizens For Citizens as a Nutritionist Assistant for the Woman, Infants and Children Program, and she was also the bilingual fuel assistant intake coordinator. She became part of our staff several years ago, helping the Spanish community with translation and guidance arranging funerals for loved ones. Many of you know Maria well, she has spent countless hours in families homes with prayers and comfort. Moving from Puerto Rico to the US in 1967, Maria remembers how hard it was communicating and finding her way in the community. She is dedicated to helping families find hope. She is a very active communicant at Saint Mary’s Church.

While not working, Maria enjoys traveling, spending time with her family especially with her precious grandchildren. We are pleased to have Maria part of our staff, she has a life-long passion for helping those in need.

Simone M. Souza

Hair Stylist

Originally from Barrington, Rhode Island. Graduate from King Philip Regional High School class of 1987. Went on to graduate from Henry O’Peabody School of Cosmetology in 1988. She worked full time at a salon in Wrentham, Massachusetts for two years before moving to Grand Blanc, Michigan where she continued her education in the barbering field. Working full-time at a  Barbershop, she decided to open her own shop. After 22 years away from home, she came back to Rhode Island/Massachusetts to be close to her family. As well as her work at Silva funeral home, she is a self-employed hairdresser/Barber at Classic Cuts in Seekonk MA.When not working, Simone and her husband Jim enjoy traveling and spending time with family, especially their animals In 2020 Kay Butler decided to relax after the many years of dedication she gave to the funeral home. Simone offered help and immediately became part of our family. We hope to have her for many, many years as we did with Kay. We feel  fortunate that Simone is very caring and is a natural at her chosen profession.

Jennifer Resendes

Visitation Assistant & House Keeping Manager

Jenn is a wonderful addition to our team. She was a graduate of Taunton High class of 2006. She is a Certified Nursing Assistant, has two wonderful children, and enjoys spending time  with family and friends as well as reading, painting and doing crafts.

We are joyed to have her part of our family here at Silva Funeral Home.

Augie Chaves

Funeral Assistant

Augie Chaves was born on the island of Santa Maria, Azores. He immigrated to the United States in 1969 with his parents and siblings.

Augie is 1 of 13 children. Augie went through the Taunton school system and graduated from Bristol-Plymouth in 1979. He was married in 1988 to his wife Zen Chaves. Together they have 3 children and many fur babies. Augie worked as a laborer and was a union member since 1985 and retired from construction. He is the former president of Local 876. Augie is also the former Vice-President of the Taunton Eagles Soccer Club, where he played soccer in the 1970’s. Augie is a communicant of St. Anthony’s church where he ran the CYO basketball program for 15 years. Augie also enjoyed coaching youth sports including soccer, basketball and baseball. Augie enjoys spending time with his family and traveling.

We are proud to have Augie as part of our staff, he is very helpful, understanding  and comforting to families at a great time of loss.