Sylvain Joseph Hossay

Graveside Service: Tuesday, April 2, 2024, 11:00 AM
Interment: Los Gatos Memorial Park, San Jose, CA
Born in Belgium, Sylvain was the youngest boy of fourteen children in a humble farm family. The Hossay family endured war, occupation and postwar uncertainty together, with perseverance, compassion and a kindness that would shape Sylvain deeply.

He married Lea Seffer and they boldly chose to move to the South Bay in 1959. The young couple struggled, with Sylvain working any odd job he could find to support his family, from unloading freight cars to selling brushes door-to-door, all while trying to learn a bit of English when he could. In fact, Sylvain's commitment to his family, willingness to work hard, and kindness to others would be character hallmarks throughout his life.

He landed a job with Green Valley Disposal in the early 1960s and worked for the company for four decades, while helping to raise his two children, and building a broad network of friends and a reputation for kind-heartedness and an unending readiness to help a friend.

He grew to become a gentile and generous patriarch of a growing family, and a remarkable source of love, kindness and support in the lives of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Dedicated to soccer as a young man, he enjoyed sports throughout his life and cheered for the Giants, 49ers, Warriors, and Manchester United with enthusiasm. He enjoyed gardening and had a well-known green thumb.

He is survived by his daughter Brigitte, his son Patrick, daughter-in-law Sheri, grandchildren Ricky and Brandi, grandson-in-law Joseph, granddaughter-in-law Kathy, and greatgrandchildren Kyah, Niko, Glenda, Kingston, Athena, and Lea.

His gentile and kindhearted spirit will be missed by his many friends, whose lives are a bit finer for having known him.