William Eugene Sylvester

Born in Montague, Massachusetts on May 16, 1928, the son of Gerald Wilson Sylvester and Dora Belle (Harris) Sylvester. Mr. Sylvester was raised in Mars Hill, Maine. He and his family eventually moved to East Hartford, Connecticut.

A retired Merchant Marine, Mr. Sylvester began his long and distinguished 26 year career with the United States Army retiring in 1978, attaining the rank of Command Sergeant Major. He served two tours of duty in Viet Nam where he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal (8th award), Army Commendation Medal, Bronze Star Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with 4 bronze stars and the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry, Vietnam Campaign Medal and Legion of Merit.

Survived by two daughters, Cheryl Plante of Margate, Kelly (Patrick) Pridgeon of Fort Lauderdale, two granddaughters, Catherine and Rachel Plante, a step-granddaughter, Marcie (Grif) Blackstone, and four step-grandchildren, Zachary, Caleb, Jeremiah and Sarah Blackstone, and his sister, Judy (Norman) Stevens. Proceeded in death by his beloved wife of 60 years, Phyllis Sylvester in 2008 and son-in-law, Bill Plante in 2005.

Visitation on Saturday, February 23rd from 10:00 ~ 11:00 A.M. with a funeral service beginning at 11 A.M. at Fred Hunter's Hollywood Memorial Garden Home, 6301 Taft Street in Hollywood. Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend. The Rev. Michael Conway will officiate. Entombment with full military honors will follow at Hollywood Memorial Garden Cemetery and Mausoleum.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, 6444 NW 5th Way, Fort Lauderdale, FL. 33309