Harold Sylvester Sr.

SYLVESTER Harold Sylvester, Sr., age eighty-six, passed away on, June 30th 2009 at Tulane University Medical Center in New Orleans surrounded by family and friends. Mr. Sylvester was born March 9th 1923, to Cecil Henry Sylvester and Willie Sylvester in Breaux Bridge, Louisiana. He preceded in death by his parents and by his sister, Hazel Sylvester Broussard, and his brother, Raymond Sylvester. He leaves behind his wife of sixty-two years, Velma Arceneaux Sylvester, as well as his four children, Harold Sylvester, Jr., Donald Sylvester, Ann Marie Sylvester, and David Sylvester, and his two daughter-in-laws, Kathleen Dunn Sylvester and Palma Joy Strand. He is also survived by four of his siblings: Genevieve Sylvester, Sister Marie Antoinette Sylvester, Anthony Sylvester and his wife, Kathy, and Veronica Honore and her husband, Mark. Together with Mrs. Sylvester, Mr. Sylvester had five grandchildren: Tracey Sylvester Garnett and her husband, David, Harold Christopher Sylvester, Carlyn Strand Sylvester, Elaine Strand Sylvester, and David Strand Sylvester; and three great-grandchildren: Sydney Elaine Garnett, Jonathan David Garnett, and Christopher Harold Garnett. He is also survived by numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. Mr. Sylvester served during World War II in the Pacific with the United States Navy 12th Special Naval Construction Battalion beginning May 4th, 1943. He was honorably discharged as a Seabee 1st Class on December 10t, 1945, and received, the Seabee Insignia and Asiatic-Pacific Ribbon, with 1 Star. He also served as a stevedore in the Solomon Islands and was serving as a stevedore on Okinawa when the atom bomb was dropped on Hiroshima. After his career in the Navy, Mr. Sylvester trained and worked as a carpenter before beginning as a career as a barber. He worked at Hortman's Tonsorial Parlor, in the legendary Astoria Hotel on South Rampart Street, and Dix Barber Shop, also on South Rampart Street. He retired in the 1990s to pursue his hobbies. Mr. Sylvester was also very involved in his community. He ushered at Saint Monica Catholic Church and at Saint Joseph The Worker, where he also participated in many organizations and Ministries. He was an E.O. Moss Grand Assembly #4 member of The Knights of Saint Peter Claver, Council 267 at St. Joseph The Worker, and council 36 at St. Rita. He was also active in The Knights of Columbus, St. Joseph the Worker Council 9384. Mr. Sylvester spent considerable time in service to ministries to the poor and ministries to the sick. Mr. Sylvester was a man of faith and integrity; a man to respect. He will be greatly missed by his family and his large community of friends. Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Mass of Christian Burial at St. Joseph the Worker Roman Catholic Church, 455 Ames Boulevard, Marrero, LA, on Tuesday, July 7, 2009, at 10:00 am. Reverend Otis W. Young, Jr., Celebrant. Visitation will begin at 8:00 am, Recitation of the Rosary at 8:45 am, and the Celebration of Life at 9:30 am, all at the above named church. Internment: Restlawn Park Cemetery, Avondale, LA. In lieu of flowers, please send donations American Cancer Society. Arrangements by Davis Mortuary Service 230 Monroe St. Gretna, La.