Carl “Dick” Sylvester

Carl Richard Sylvester, age 81, of Grandville, passed away on June 21, 2017 after a courageous battle with Alzheimers.  Dick was born in Monroe, Michigan on July 3, 1935 to Carl and June Sylvester.  He graduated from Monroe High School, where he lettered in baseball, swimming and football. He was a captain of his swim and baseball teams during his senior year.  He attended the University of Michigan and later enlisted and served as a paratrooper in the U.S. Army (stationed in Germany).  Dick married Joan Hilliard in February 1956 and spent their first year of marriage in Augsburg, Germany, where they shared many fond memories.  He was an estimator in the architecture and glass industry in Monroe, Adrian and Grand Rapids.  He was a self-taught craftsman, an avid golfer, excellent bridge player, and loved pinot noir.  He travelled parts of the world and had a special love for Italy.  He also enjoyed camping and time at the family cottage up north; but most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his family.  A beloved husband, father, and friend, Dick led his life with the highest level of love and was a model of integrity and hard work for anyone who knew him. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Peg Sylvester; parents; sister, Margaret; sister-in law and brother-in-law, Jackie and Ron Russelo.  He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 61 years, Joan; children: Paul and Dawn Sylvester, Elisa Bergonzoni, David and Kathy Sylvester, Scott and Lisa Sylvester; grandchildren: Kelly (Nathan) Norman, Kasey (Chris) McGill, Kelcie Jadkowski, Tyler, Matthew, Emily, Nathan, Zachary, and Addison Sylvester; 4 great grandchildren; brother and sisters: Ken Sylvester, Marge (Sam) Modica, Mary (Chuck) Bush; brother-in-law: Tom (Cathy) Hilliard; many nieces and nephews.  According to his wishes, cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday at Holy Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, 4201 Burlingame Ave., Wyoming, with Rev. Stephen Schamber officiating.  Relatives and friends may visit the family at the church on Sunday from 1:00-3:00 p.m.  Burial will be at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens.  Contributions may be made to the Alzheimers Association (alz.org) or Faith Hospice (www.faithhospicecare.org).  The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to the staff of Faith Hospice-Trillium Woods for their loving care of Dick.