Sylvester J. Sclafani

Sylvester, the third child born to Joseph Anthony and Rosalie (Lopiccolo) Sclafani, entered the world on December 8, 1943, in New Orleans, Louisiana. He graduated from Holy Cross High School in 1961 and served in the National Guard. From a very early age, Sylvester was destined to work in the family business, Sclafani Meat Market, where he worked with his father and brother as a grocer and butcher until the family sold the business in 1988.

On off days, Sylvester and the men in his family frequented the Louisiana Fair Grounds, where he cashed his biggest winning ticket meeting the love of his life Maria Bertucci. The two were married on April 17, 1974, and spent every day of the succeeding fifty-one years in each other’s company. Together they built a home full of love and laughter, competitive spirit, children and grandchildren, and lots of four-legged friends.

The twin pillars of Sylvester’s life were faith and family. A devout Catholic, Sylvester began each day by reading the Bible and saying his prayers, and he rarely if ever missed weekend mass. It was often said, if Catholic priests could be married, Sylvester would have been the first in line to receive his Holy Orders. Maria blessed Sylvester with four children, Joseph, Jeffrey, Tina and Jamie Ann, the pride and joys of their life. While always stressing academic success, Sylvester’s unwavering devotion to his children was never more evident than while crisscrossing the country attending sporting events. Often departing before dawn and arriving home late on Sunday night, there was not a softball tournament in the country that he did not take his girls to compete in.

A city boy, turned hard-working country man, Sylvester became quite the handyman, affectionately called “Mr. Fix-it”. Armed with his trusty roll of gray duct tape, there was no household project or repair that he would not attempt; and he would often be seen “under the hood” checking things out before allowing any of his children to depart. When projects did not turn out as he intended, Sylvester frequently responded: “I did the best that I can.” And his best was always good enough. While a man of few words, Sylvester never met a stranger. His kindness, integrity and generosity were always evident everywhere he went.

Sylvester is preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Rosalie Sclafani. He is survived by his devoted wife of fifty-one years Maria; his four children, Joseph, Jeffrey (Kayce), Tina (Hannah) and Jamie Ann; five grandchildren, Tyler, Jordyn, Kristyn, Lauryn and Hunter; his brother Frank, his sisters Agnes and Jennie Rose; and a host of nieces, cousins and extended family. Sylvester was laid to rest in his family’s tomb at Lake Lawn Cemetery in a private ceremony held on September 12. In true Christ-like fashion, Sylvester has gone first to prepare a place for his family, and he will be eagerly awaiting their arrival at The Pearly Gates.