Sylvester Jude Nitzken

NITZKEN, Deacon Sylvester J. "Syl", 96 died peacefully surrounded by family on Thursday October 31, 2024.
His parents, Sylvester and Margaret Nitzken, his sister Helen and his grandson Tim preceded him in death.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 70 years, Joan White Nitzken, his five children Joe (Kate), Tom (Cyndi), John (Sundy), Mike (Pam), and Mary; 9 grandchildren Christina (Ben Baerveldt), Stephanie (Bryan Weede), Dan (Hannah), Matt (Chelsea), James, Mary (Cory Gregory), Amanda, Emma and Abby; and 10 great grandchildren Carissa, Brenna, Connor, Ella, Quinn, Norah, Jane, Hallie, Melanie and Josie.
After graduating from St. X high school (Class of 1946) and Xavier University, Syl taught for two years at Shepherdsville High School. He then entered the United States Army. Upon discharge from the Army, he attended Catholic University of America for post-graduate work in speech pathology and audiology. As a clinical therapist, he later became director of Speech and Hearing Services at the Kentucky Commission for Handicapped Children. While there, he served as president of The Kentucky Speech and Hearing Association and as a lecturer at various local universities.
Upon early retirement, he worked in development at Spalding University.
As a permanent deacon, he served at St. Stephen Martyr Catholic Church and as vicar for the Archdiocese's senior deacons for a number of years.
At St. Stephen Martyr, his parish for more than 73 years, he also served as Cub Scout Master for ten years. Syl was a Life Member of the Knights of Columbus and a board member on the Right to Life Educational Foundation. Both he, and his wife, were former members of The Catholic Theatre Guild and The Holy Name Choral Club.
Visitation: Tuesday November 5th, 1:00PM to 8:00 PM - Bosse Funeral Home on Ellison Ave. Wednesday November 6th, 10:00AM -11:00AM - St. Stephen Martyr Church
Mass of Christian Burial: Wednesday November 6th, 11:00AM – St. Stephen Martyr Church
Interment, Calvary Cemetery.
Expressions of sympathy may be made to: St. Stephen Martyr Church; Little Sisters of the Poor; Right to Life; St. X High School; or Day Spring.