Joseph B. Sykora died October 29, 2010 at age 96. The son of Marie Bezdek and Alois Sykora, Joe was born on the family farm near Seymour, TX. When he was toddler, the family moved to Penelope where he met his beloved wife Vlasta (Pavlas). He and Vlasta made their home in Dallas where Joe became a master plumber and they raised their son Robert. Joe proudly served in the U.S. Navy during World War II in the Pacific. He will be remembered for his generosity and charitable deeds to family, friends and church. A charter member of St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, Joe was an usher for many years, a member of the Men’s Club, Altar Society and Assistant Scout Master. He had a life-long love of Czech music and always entertained with his button accordion at family weddings, reunions and social events so people could sing or dance the polka. He took delight in being a member and officer of Dallas National Accordion Society and KJT and Dallas Czech Club and singers. Preceded in death by his parent, his beloved Vlasta, nine sisters and five brothers, Joe is survived by his son, Robert and wife Kay; grandchildren, Christian Kramer and husband Kevin and Aaron Sykora as well as many loved nieces and nephews. Viewing will begin at 4:00 pm Tuesday, November 2, 2010 at Calvary Hill Funeral Home with the Recitation of the Holy Rosary to begin at 7:30 pm. Mass of Resurrection will be celebrated at 10:00 am Wednesday, November 3, 2010 at St Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 636 Kenwood Ave. Dallas, TX 75214. Nephew, Monsignor Henry Petter from St. Elizabeth Ann Seton in Plano and Reverend John Libone, pastor of St. Thomas Aquinas will preside. Entombment will follow in the mausoleum at Calvary Hill Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers will be nephews, Bernie Gadjacia, Dennis Macha, David Pavlas, Richard Sykora, Sammy Sykora and Tommy Sykora. Honorary pallbearers will be all remaining nieces and nephews. Memorials in Joe’s name can be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, Vitas Hospice or charity of choice.
