Edmund Joseph Silva of Oak Bluffs died on Feb. 5 at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston shortly before his 81st birthday.

Mr. Silva was born March 15, 1931, in Vineyard Haven, to Antone and Clara Silva, one of 13 children.

He served in the United States Army during the Korean War and was a decorated war veteran with many medals to show for his service. He was a humble man who spoke little of his recognition and accomplishments. Eddie held many jobs on Martha’s Vineyard and was well-known and loved by Islanders.

Eddie was good at almost everything he set his mind to do. He would often volunteer to assist someone in need of learning new skills, fixing a problem, learning to fish, hunt, ride horses or singing the blues. His nicknames were Blues Master and Mud Man.

Mr. Silva lived with his wife, Wenonah (Madison/Vandal), in Vineyard Haven and built their home in Aquinnah. Wenonah died in 1992. He later married Barbara Taylor of Princeton, N.J., until her death. He returned to the Vineyard in the summer of 2007.

He is survived by his daughter, Carole, stepsons, David and Paul Vandal, and brothers, Arthur and Ralph Silva. He has many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and people who loved him dearly.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.