Dewey A. Sylvester

Dewey A. Sylvester, 89, devoted husband to his wife Marie of 68 years, who sadly predeceased him earlier this year, father, grandfather, and great grandfather, affectionately known as "Pepe", passed away on Thursday, October 9, 2025.
He was born on November 8, 1935, in Lowell, MA where he lived for many years before moving to Stinson Lake in Rumney, NH and ultimately to Fremont, NH where he resided for the past 20 years.
Dewey attended St Louis School and Varnum School in the Centralville neighborhood in Lowell, MA. He enlisted in the Army at the age of seventeen, serving in the Korean Conflict where he earned many commendations including the Korean Service Medal with one Bronze Service Star, National Defense Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, Combat Infantry Badge and several Sharpshooter awards. After returning home from active duty, he served several years in the Massachusetts National Guard and was very proud of his time in the service.
He worked for Duane Wrecking Company in Quincy, MA for thirty-four years as a building wrecker, alongside several of his brothers and was a proud member of the Building Wreckers Local 1421. Outside of his work, he was active in his community as a long-standing member of the East End Social Club of Lowell, MA, volunteering and supporting numerous local charity organizations and political campaigns. It was there that he met many of his oldest and closest friends.
Dewey will be remembered as a proud, hardworking and inventive man of many talents and interests. He loved problem solving and working with his hands. He was a real "MacGuyver" when it came to building or fixing anything. He boxed in the Golden Gloves as a young man; he was an avid Patriots football fan and never missed a Sunday game. He enjoyed snowmobiling and fishing and played a mean game of horseshoes. In retirement he took up golf and like most things it became a passion rather than a hobby. He acquired a 1931 Model A Hotrod which he enjoyed taking, along with his wife Marie, to weekend car shows. He was very proud of the many car trophies he won.
But beyond his hobbies, his special loves were his family, especially his grandchildren -- the "little ones" brought the biggest of smiles to his face. He loved the companionship of his many black dogs over the years – Shadow, Midnight, Blackjack and Blackjack 2 who were always found faithfully by his side.
Dewey is deeply mourned by his children Cheryl M. Palmer and her husband Rey A. Giallongo, Jr. of Aiken, SC, Dewey A. Sylvester, Jr. and wife Judith E. Sylvester of Pelham, NH, Diane V. Sylvester of Lowell, MA, Carol A. Sylvester and her partner John R. Keraghan of Groveland, MA and John W. Sylvester and wife Jennifer A. (Crotty) Sylvester of Lowell, MA; his grandchildren Rebecca A. Campbell of Boxborough, MA, Tiffany M. Allen and husband Timothy of Templeton, MA, Jacqueline M. Mombourquette of Marlboro, VT, Robert F. Baudanza of Lowell, MA and Ava Hope Sylvester of Lowell, MA; and, his great grandchildren Addison, Nolan, Hudson, Charlotte, Jason and Evelyn. He is survived by his sisters Jeannette Pickels of Lowell, MA, Georgette Loftus of Mays Landing, NJ and Simone Buckley and husband John of Hudson, NH.
He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 68 years Marie E. Sylvester (Mello), his parents William J. Sylvester and Odile (Vallancourt) (Gagnon) (Sylvester) Therrien and siblings Irene (Glaud), Leo, Magurite (Gold), Lorraine (Landry), Roland, Dorothy (Quintal), Lillian (Trzcienski), William, and Paul.
The family would like to thank the dedicated staff of the Manchester VA Home Based Primary Care unit for their support and care.
We find comfort in knowing that Dad's legacy lives on through the lessons he taught us, the love he shared, and the memories we will cherish forever.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the MSPCA:
On Thursday, October 16, 2025, all are welcome to attend his calling hours from 4 - 7 p.m. at McDonough Funeral Home, 14 Highland Street, Lowell.
His funeral will begin on Friday morning at 10 a.m. at the funeral home. A procession will follow for burial at St. Patrick Cemetery, in the Chapel, on Gorham Street, Lowell.