Stephen Francis Sykes
Born February 4, 1947 - Died October 30, 2026
He was 79 years old.
Steve was born in Boston Massachusetts and began his life as a "Southie" in South Boston before moving to Canton, MA at age seven. Stephen was the second of four sons born to George Clifford Sykes and Agnes Skehan Sykes. Steve's Brothers are George Jr., Gerard (deceased) and Robert Sykes. All of Steve's grandparents were immigrants to the U.S., coming from Ireland, England, Scotland and Newfoundland.
Steve attended high school at Don Bosco Technical School in downtown Boston, and college at the University of Massachusetts - Amherst He graduated from Florida State University where he played football and majored in restaurant and hotel management.
Steve's entire career was in the hospitality industry as a dishwasher, waiter, manager and owner. He was involved in supervising food and beverages in Florida, Massachusetts, Maine, New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Missouri, and California. Some of the many restaurants he was involved with were Pier 4 in Boston, The Harbor Restaurant in Santa Barbara, Carrows Family Restaurants and The Olive Garden. Steve particularly loved the people he served, customers and staff alike.
Sports was a passion for Steve and football was the king. For many years he played tennis several times a week and was a member of the San Dimas Tennis Club and the San Gabriel Tennis Club. He loved college football especially his alma mater Florida State His favorite pro teams were the New England Patriots, Boston Red Sox, Celtics and Bruins.
More than anything Steve prayed daily for both his California and East Coast loved ones and also loved his weekly phone chats with friends and family.
Steve is survived by his wife Bobbie Chris Williams Sykes, daughter Lauren Bliss Sykes and dog Ruby, brothers George and Bob Sykes, and his six nieces and nephews and six great-nieces and nephews in the Boston area.
Steve will be remembered as the big turkey, Bozo, Papi, and the big guy. He carried a meat thermometer in his shirt pocket when working and even gave them as Christmas gifts to ensure food safety guidelines were being followed at all times. Steve loved New England clam chowder, and we used to say if we pricked him, he would bleed clam chowder. In later years when he was house bound, he enjoyed lengthy sports conversations with "Alexa" who lived on the mantle. With his Boston accent he told everyone he "Pawked his caw in Hawvad Yawd".
A celebration of life will we held at San Gabriel Community Church on Saturday, November 14, 2026.
Memorial Service
A memorial service celebrating Steve's life will be held at:
San Gabriel Community Church
117 N. Pine Street
San Gabriel, CA 91775
Service: 2:00pm in the sanctuary
Reception: A food reception will follow in the gym.
Livestream & Recording
For those unable to attend in person, the service will be live streamed at:
www.stephensykesmemorial.org
A recording of the service will also be available upon request at a later date.
Questions
For any questions, please contact Steve's daughter, Lauren Sykes, at [email protected].
In Lieu of Flowers
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to San Gabriel Community Church's Deacon Benevolent Fund, which helps meet the needs of the local church family.
Donations can be made here:
https://www.shelbygiving.com/app/giving/sgcc
