Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Thomas Sylvester Obituary
Mr. Sylvester was born in Little Creek on Dec. 7, 1938, and was the son of the late Thomas F. Sylvester Sr. and Gladys Sylvester. After graduating from Dover High School in 1956, Mr. Sylvester enlisted in the Army National Guard. He received his commission in 1964 and retired as Major after 36 years of service. He also worked for ILC Dover in Frederica and Dover for 26 years as the primary astronaut test subject. He supported development and testing of space suits for the Apollo and Space Shuttle missions.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Robert Sylvester and wife, Carol.
He is survived by his wife, Norma; his four children, Thomas, of Hartly, Timothy, Mark (Laci), of Thousand Oaks, Calif.; Suzanne MacDougald (Brian) of San Antonio, Texas; two step-children, Keith Harpster (Vicki), of Rehoboth and Leslie Rodriguez (Juan), of Smyrna; a brother, Gerald Sylvester (Emily), of Kissimmee, Fla.; eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
Burial will be private, but a memorial service to celebrate his life will be held at a later date. Mr. Sylvester suffered from Parkinson's disease for many years. In his memory, the family asks for contributions to be made to www.michaeljfox.org.
Letters of condolences may be sent to www.traderfh.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Sylvester
3 Entries
Kathy Eck
April 12, 2017
Norma, and family so sorry for your loss
Lafrance Trott
April 12, 2017
My friend Mr Sylvester it was a pleasure to have met and cared for you.We use to sit and chat about life in general.Your face would light up when I came on shift and that smile use to make me feel appreciated.Rest easy my friend your in great hands now.
From the Staff of Trader Funeral Home
April 12, 2017
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
Showing 1 - 3 of 3 results
Make a Donation
in Thomas Sylvester's name
Memorial Events
for Thomas Sylvester
How to support Thomas's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Thomas Sylvester's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
