Leon DaSilva ’99HON, a longtime benefactor to the University, passed away on Sept. 9 at the age of 90, the University announced on its website.

The DaSilva Memorial Field, home of the lacrosse and track and field team, as well as DaSilva Residence Hall on the Queens campus, were both supported by the donations of DaSilva. The field, originally named St. John’s Stadium, was rededicated in 1998, in honor of DaSilva’s son, John, who was killed in an automobile accident. John also attended the University as a member of the University’s hockey team.

DaSilva also supported the construction of the DaSilva Academic Center, on the Staten Island campus.

DaSilva was awarded an honorary doctorate in Commercial Sciences by the University in 1999. He has also received the Terence Cardinal Cooke Medal, which is given to individuals who have made significant contributions to the Staten Island campus, in 2002. In 2006, DaSilva received the school’s highest honor, the Gold Medal.

Rev. Donald J. Harrington C.M., President of the University said in a message on the University’s website “I know that the St. John’s community joins me in extending its prayers and deepest sympathy to the DaSilva family in this time of sorrow.”