By 
Menin Rodriguez 

Jerome D’Silva passes away in Canada

Sept 26, 1923 – April 20, 2017

TORONTO: April 22, 2017 – Hussain-D’Silva was a name synonymous with quality housing development projects in Karachi during the 1960’s and 70’s. The passing away of its partner Jerome D’Silva last week prompted Patrician Shahid Aziz Siddiqui, former Commissioner Karachi to write, “He was an icon in developing Karachi.”

Jerome Francisco Albano D’Silva, 93, passed away at home surrounded by his beloved wife and family on April 20, 2017. He was born on Sept 26, 1923 in Karachi to Ligorio and Lily D’Silva.

He graduated from St. Patrick’s High School, earned a Bachelor of Arts from D.J. Arts College and completed a year of law. Jerome started his own successful business creating Hussain-D’Silva Enterprises with his partner and school-friend Ashfaq Hussain. They built many landmark housing developments in Karachi notably Hussain-Silva Town, North Nazimabad; the Hussain-D’Silva apartments in Garden West, and the Hussain-D’Silva apartments in Clifton (brought down a few years to make way for the 62-storey Bahria Icon Tower).

Jerome D’Silva was among the several well-known Karachiites during his time who dedicated their time, talent and resources to make a name for themselves, family and community; they made us proud and served both country and community with distinction. His success in Karachi from a humble beginning to becoming a major housing developer was long before the city fell into the hands of what is now known as the builders’ mafia.

From what I have gathered from his family and friends, Jerome was a kind and gentle person, always loving and giving, and making an impact in the lives of others. His family continues with his legacy, and Pakistan having lost one of its pioneering builders of modern Karachi.

Another interesting part of Jerome’s life was that he enjoyed the talkies and produced a few Urdu movies such as ‘Badha Adhmi’ which won a Nigar Award.

Jerome married Yvette (Pinto) in 1953 at St. Lawrence’s Church, Garden East (formerly known as Cincinnatus Town). They celebrated their 64^th wedding anniversary on April 19, 2017. Jerome is survived by his beloved wife Yvette and his eight children; his sister Joan and brothers Fred and Ronnie. He has 26 grand-children and 17 great-grand-children.

(This tribute was published in The Christian Voice, Karachi on April 30, 2017)