Joseph DeSylvester

Joseph DeSylvester, age 88, passed away on February 18, 2009, in Mesa, Arizona, from natural causes. Joe was born and raised in Chicago, the youngest of 3 children to Columbus and Marie DeSylvester. He attended Resurrection Grade School and St. Mel Military Academy on Chicago's west side. Joe was a graduate of St. Mary's College in Winona, Minnesota. He also served in the Merchant Marine and the United States Navy during World War II. For 30 years Joe worked in the food oil industry for Durkee foods (as a salesman) and as regional sales manager for Corn Products Company. He and his wife of 61 years, Mary, resided in Elmhurst for 47 years where they raised their five children and were active members of Visitation Parish. He was a devoted husband, loving father, and baseball coach to many youth in his community. Joe was a positive influence to all who knew him through his enthusiasm and genuine concern for others. He is survived by his four sons (Joseph Jr./Barbara of Lakeville, MN), (John of Bradenton, FL), (Richard/Patrice of Gilbert, AZ), (Raymond/Dorothy of Phoenix, AZ), and one daughter (Donna Marrero/Vincent of Encinnitas, CA). He had 10 grandchildren, seven nieces, six nephews, and many friends in Elmhurst, Florida, and Arizona. Funeral services were held on February 23 at St. Annes Catholic Church in Gilbert, Arizona. Internment occurred on February 28, 2009, at Queen of Heaven Catholic Cemetery in Mesa, Arizona.