Sylvester Theodore Chapa died Sunday at Willowbrook Place Assisted Living after a short illness. He has joined his parents, Frank and Antonina Chapa; brother, Henry Chapa; and sisters, Wanda Pelucacci and Helen Bilancini in heaven. His longtime companion, Mary Ann Wayda, passed away in 2002.
Born in Dilles Bottom, Ohio, on Dec. 31, 1925, he was raised in Taylor, where he attended Taylor High School and graduated in June 1943. Sylvester was drafted on March 3, 1944, into the United States Navy and served on the USS Memphis. He was honorably discharged as a Yeoman, 2nd Class on Feb. 17, 1947, and was given the American Theater, WWII Victory and European-African-Middle Eastern ribbons. After serving, Sylvester attended the University of Pennsylvania Wharton Extension School and was a member of the class of 1951. He then attended the University of Scranton, graduating in 1957.
Sylvester spent his professional career at Dun & Bradstreet Operations as a senior business analyst. He enjoyed bowling and was a member of several leagues where he served as the secretary. He was a sports enthusiast who had a particular love for golfing. Sylvester was a lifelong member of SS. Peter & Paul R.C. Church, and was an active member of the Holy Name Society, American Legion and VFW. He always enjoyed traveling both domestically and internationally, and was able to visit many religious sites.
Surviving are a sister, Frances Kearney, Scranton; brother, Thaddeus Chapa, Merritt Island, Fla.; and was the beloved "Uncle Jeep" to countless nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.
The family would like to thank the staff at Willowbrook, where Sylvester resided for the past six years, and Compassionate Care Hospice for making him comfortable at the end of his life.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday at 11 a.m. in SS. Peter & Paul Church, Scranton. Interment, parish cemetery, Taylor.
Friends may call from 9 to 10:30 a.m. at the Thomas J. Hughes Funeral Home Inc., 1240 St. Ann's St., Scranton.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Catherine McAuley Center, 430 Pittston Ave., Scranton, PA 18505.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
3 Entries
Kearney Family,
My prayers and thoughts today for your brother/uncle. Whenever we would cross paths, he was always kind, funny and truly a gentleman. He will be missed. Godspeed Bingo as you enter God's Other Door.
Henry Bieryla
Friend
November 15, 2018
Knew Mr. Chapa when I lived on Loomis Ave. as a child. RIP and condolences to the family.
Diane Adrian Weissman
November 13, 2018
I enjoyed working with you all those years at D&B, together with all the stories you shared. Remembering what a great dancer you were. RIP Sy
Juanita (Rusnok) Johnson
November 13, 2018
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