Robert P. Sylvester

Mr. Robert P. Sylvester 71, a resident of Walnut Street, Williamstown, died Monday, May 12, at North Adams Regional Hospital. Death followed a long illness.
He was born at the family home on School Street in Williamstown, on Dec. 31, 1931, and was the son of the late Theodore Roosevelt Sylvester and the former Etta (Baker). He received his education in Williamstown and was a graduate of Williamstown High School in the Class of 1950.
Mr. Sylvester was a U.S. Marine veteran and served with the First Engineer Battalion during the Korean War. He received a Purple Heart for being wounded in combat and a Presidential Citation Award. Following the war, he served with the Naval Construction Battalion, the Sea Bees in Pittsfield, from which he retired in 1987.
He married the former Joanne Churchill April 24, 1954, at the First United Methodist Church of Williamstown.
For 37 years, Mr. Sylvester had been employed at Photec in Williamstown as a lab technician.
He was a member of the Williams Masonic Lodge of Williamstown where he had served as a Past Master. He was a member of all Scottish Rite Bodies of the Masonic Order. He was a member of both the Melha Shrine of Springfield and the Berkshire Shrine Club. He was a past Patron and member of the Order of Eastern Star Mountain Chapter #137 of Williamstown. He was a life member of both the American Legion Post 152 and V.F.W. of Williamstown. He was also a member of the Marine Corps League of Pittsfield and the First United Methodist Church of Williamstown.
Mr. Sylvester’s family and grandchildren were his main interest. He was also proud to be a left-hander.
Survivors include his wife, Joanne Sylvester, of Williamstown; a daughter and son-in-law, Roberta and Steven B. Sweet of Williamstown; two grandchildren, Amanda Jean Sweet and Brian Allen Sweet, both of Williamstown; five brothers, Theodore R. Sylvester Jr. of Pittsfield, John H. Sylvester of Williamstown, Lee H. Sylvester of Clarksburg, George D. Sylvester of Williamstown and Paul A. Sylvester of Williamstown; and a sister Inez L. Wise of Jackson, Miss.
He is also survived by a nephew, Timothy M. Sylvester of North Adams; a great-niece, Dawn V. Stewart of North Adams; and a great-nephew Brian A. Agaman of Garden City, Ga.; and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and cousins.
He was pre-deceased by a daughter, Deborah Jean Sylvester.
FUNERAL NOTICE -- The funeral will be held at the First United Methodist Church of Williamstown on Thursday, May 15, at 10 a.m., with the Rev. Sandy Ray officiating. During the funeral service the Williams Masonic Lodge will conduct their service.
The burial will follow in the family lot in East Lawn Cemetery, Williamstown.
If friends desire, contributions in memory of Mr. Sylvester may be made to either the Shriners Children’s Hospital or the First United Methodist Church of Williamstown through the office of the George M. Hopkins Funeral Home, 61-67 Spring St., Williamstown, 01267.