David Sytsma-Sherman

David Sytsma-Sherman (né David Sytsma), 48, of Wilmington, Delaware, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at Penn-Presbyterian Medical Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, after a long and courageous battle with Crohn's Disease.

Born on April 19, 1977, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, David was a graduate of St. Bartholomew Roman Catholic School ('92) and Northeast Catholic High School for Boys ('96). He built his career with the Philadelphia Parking Authority, where he was a dedicated member of AFSCME Local 2187, serving as chief shop steward, executive board member, and vice chair of the District Council 47 PEOPLE Committee. Politically engaged throughout his life, David served as a Republican Committee Member in Philadelphia's 41st Ward before becoming a Democratic ward leader in Wilmington's 8th Ward, reflecting his deep commitment to community advocacy and union solidarity.

David had a great love for Christmas and was an enthusiast of Christmas villages, delighting in the joy and tradition they brought to the holiday season. He also cherished snow, finding beauty and excitement in its quiet magic.

He is survived by his beloved spouse, Jeffrey Sytsma-Sherman; his mother, Bonnie Grossman (née Malick), and his step-father Joseph Grossman; his brother Thomas and Maureen (née Mason) Sytsma, and their children Kyla, Avery, Thomas, and Aedhan; his brother Louis and Kim (née Gracey) Sytsma, and their children Louis, Skye, Alex, and Cole; his brother Nickolas and Vicky (née Brown) Martocello, along with several aunts, uncles, and numerous cousins.

He was reunited in death with his father Thomas Sytsma and stepmother Kathryn Simeoni; his grandparents William and Margaret (née McGraw) Sytsma; his grandparents Lewis and Dauris (née Long) Malick; and several aunts and uncles.

A visitation will be held on Friday, February 6, 2026, beginning at 9:15 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m., at St. Matthew's Roman Catholic Church, 3000 Cottman Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19149. David was a parishioner at St. Margaret of Scotland Roman Catholic Church in Newark, Delaware.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in David's memory to the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation (the leading national nonprofit dedicated to funding research, improving care, and finding cures for Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis). Please consider giving online through David's tribute page at: https://p2p.onecause.com/diy-tributes-memorials/memorial/in-memory-of-david-sytsma-sherman Donations can also be mailed to: Crohn's & Colitis Foundation, National Headquarters, ATTN: Financial Operations, 733 Third Avenue, Suite 510, New York, NY 10017. Please note "In memory of David Sytsma-Sherman" on contributions.

David will be remembered for his warmth, dedication to those he loved, his infectious smile, and his unwavering spirit in the face of adversity. May he rest in peace.