Son of deputy Benedita da Silva dies at 58

Pedro Paulo Sousa Silva, son of the federal deputy Benedita da Silva (PT-RJ), died on Saturday night (2) at the age of 58, according to the parliamentary team. The wake takes place this Sunday (3), at the São João Batista cemetery, in Botafogo.

In a post on the deputy’s social networks, it was reported that Leleco, as Pedro Paulo was known, was undergoing treatment against a cancer two years ago. He leaves a wife and two children.

Through social networks, the mayor of Rio de Janeiro Eduardo Paes (PSD) offered condolences to the deputy for the loss.

“I express my deep sorrow for the passing of the son of our dear @dasilvabenedita. Leleco had been battling cancer for the past two years. Bené is a dear friend with a beautiful life story and I cannot imagine her pain. All my love to her and her family,” she said.

I express my deep condolences for the death of our dear son @dasilvabenedita . Leleco had been battling cancer for the past two years. Bené is a dear friend with a beautiful life story and I cannot imagine her pain. All my love to her and her family.

— Eduardo Paes (@eduardopaes) April 3, 2022

The national president of Workers’ Partyfederal deputy Gleise Hoffman (RS), said on social media on Saturday that he talked to Benedita da Silva. “A sad moment for this great companion. All solidarity and strength to Bené’s wife, children and family. May Peter go in peace.”

I just spoke to my dear friend @dasilvabenedita who ends up losing her son Pedro Paulo to the fight against cancer. A sad moment for this great companion. All solidarity and strength to Bené’s wife, children and family. May Peter go in peace.

— Gleisi Hoffmann (@gleisi) April 3, 2022

Benedita da Silva is a federal deputy for the Rio de Janeiro since 2011, and had already held the position between 1987 and 1995. She was a senator between 1995 and 1998, lieutenant governor from 1999 to 2002 and state governor between 2002 and 2003.

The deputy was the first woman to assume the position, and also served as Minister of the Special Secretariat for Work and Social Assistance between 2003 and 2007, in the government of the former president squid (EN).