Sylvester “Billy” Paiva
Sylvester “Billy” Paiva, 78, passed away peacefully at Hale Makua-Kahului on April 11, 2025. He was born on January 8, 1947, at Paia Hospital to the late Sylvester William “Billa” Paiva Sr. and Julia De Rego Paiva and spent most of his life in Makawao.
Billy was also affectionately known as “Pipe”. He attended St. Joseph School and the old Maui High School in Hamakuapoko before graduating from Maui Technical School as a machinist. Throughout his career, he worked at the HC&S Mill in Puunene, as an air-conditioning technician, and as a skilled backyard mechanic.
Billy lived life on his own terms–camping at Big Beach, riding his motorcycle with his cousins from Hana, and sharing stories about growing up on Maui in the 1960s and ’70s, a time very different from today. In his later years, he cherished living close to his sons and their families.
He was predeceased by his parents and his siblings, Eric Paiva and Sylvia Ann Paiva Powers. He is survived by his two sons, William (Angela) Gannon and John (Dionne) Gannon; nine grandchildren; thirteen great-grandchildren; nieces Julia and Amy Powers; and a grand niece.
Billy will be deeply missed by his family and friends, but we take comfort in imagining him once again cruising the open roads on his motorcycle–this time in heaven.