FREDERICK DANIEL SYLVESTER

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

FREDERICK DANIEL SYLVESTER Peacefully at home, with his family by his side, on Tuesday, December 1, 2015, Frederick Daniel Sylvester, beloved husband of Rossana Sylvester, passed away. Born in Winnipeg on April 20, 1942, eldest son of the late Fred and Anne Sylvester. He leaves to mourn his passing his wife Rossana and their children: Dan (Pat) Sylvester, Bob (Laurie) Sylvester, Bill (Chelsey) Sylvester, Rick Sylvester, Franka (Rory) Cava, Michael (Debbie) Talarico, Darlene (Tony) Tomizza, Lisa Galloway (Jim Fleming), Maria (Mark) Zinga, Andrea (Kevin) Kannus and Stacey Sylvester along with 26 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Fred also leaves to mourn his passing his sister Daneta (Gord) Waples, brother Gary (Elaine) Sylvester, uncle Dan (Pat) Kidd, brothers-in-law Benny (Bernice) Sacchetti, Mark (Sharon) Sacchetti and sister-in-law Leda (Albert) Villella, along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends. Fred was predeceased by his parents Fred and Anne Sylvester, and parents-in-law Mario and Angela Sacchetti. Fred grew up in Winnipeg's north end, proud of his roots as a'north-ender' achieving his full schooling in the area schools. In 1960 Fred began his working career at Eatons where he remained until 1965 when he started at Canada Post as a letter-carrier. Fred's incredible work ethic and management skills were recognized in 1978 when he became a supervisor and eventually a station manager in Winnipeg. While in Winnipeg, Fred spent time coaching, managing and serving on various hockey executive and community organizations. He was instrumental in the creation of the North Winnipeg Minor Hockey Association and the North Winnipeg Satellites hockey team as well as the MNS Stars hockey teams. He was also one of the founders of the Billy Mosienko hockey tournament. He was passionate as a coach, participant or fan of hockey, football and baseball, in particular his beloved Toronto Blue Jays. Hunting and fishing were also favourite hobbies that Fred enjoyed with his family and friends. In 1983 he moved to Thunder Bay, Ontario where he remained as the city services manager until 1988 when he was transferred to Burlington, Ontario as the Zone 3 manager, where he remained until his retirement in 1995. Fred achieved many goals through his working career which he always attributed to the result of great staff and support. In 1995 he was recognized with the Huron Division Leadership award. His love of coaching resulted in being named coach of the Huron Division Olympic team. Upon his retirement in 1995, Fred and Rossana relocated back to Thunder Bay where he took up fishing, barbequing, playing bocce with family and friends and learning all the Italian customs. In 1996, he worked at Lakehead Motors selling cars until 2005 when he retired fully. Fred was blessed with many family and friends with whom he cherished relationships with each. He was particularly close with his two cousins Frankie and Lester Sylvester, Guido and Eraldo Scocchia, spending many days together fishing and reminiscing about the good times they had shared. Friends and family were very important to Fred and while there are too many to mention, know that he treasured his time with each of you. These next few words are written from Dad himself: "Shortly after I arrived in Thunder Bay, I met the love of my life Rossana Talarico who became my wife, Rossana Sylvester on July 19, 1986. My biggest enjoyment other than Rossana, has been to watch our families grow together as a family. This has been the greatest thing in my life. I have never been very religious however I believe that it's your actions while you are alive that you will be judged on. Like everyone, I have made mistakes for no one is perfect but I have always tried to live my life on principle. I lived a good life with a good family and a great and loving wife, Rossana." Dad lived his life with passion and without regret. He lived it on his terms and did it my way', one of his favourite Elvis songs. As we learn to travel this life without him, he can be assured his lessons will live on in each of his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. In the end, the last lesson he gave us was one in having the courage to make the tough decisions. Dad knew when it was time to go and when he made the difficult decision to stop his dialysis, we as a family faced our fears about facing life without him and through it, tried our best to support him. Now our final task left for us is to strive to give Dad the send-off he wanted. In accordance with his wishes, no formal service will be held. A Celebration of Life will take place, as requested by Dad, for us "to remember the good times", on Saturday, December 5, 2015 at the Valhalla Inn at 12:00 p.m. Safe and peaceful journey Dad we all love you. At this time, we would like to give our heartfelt thanks to the many doctors and medical professionals including those who cared for Dad in the last few years. In particular, we would like to thank Dr. DeBakker, Dr. Lai, Dr. Francis, and especially Dr. Boeke and the Renal/Dialysis Centre. Also a special thank you to Cal and Jeff from CCAC for your help and support and for providing comfort during Fred's last days. Donations may be made to the Renal Fund or the Northern Cardiac Fund at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Hospital: 807-344-4673 EVEREST FUNERAL CHAPEL, 299 Waverley Street at Algoma in care of arrangements. Please sign the Online Condolences at everestofthunderbay.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 03, 2015