Stephen Mark Sylvester Sr.

1950 - 2025

Stephen Mark Sylvester, Sr.

July 22, 1950 - October 18, 2025

Steve, 75, of Cape May Court House, unexpectantly passed away at home on October 18, 2025.

Steve lived in Avalon, NJ, for the first 54 years of his life (and always reminded his wife, who lived offshore, that she came east and made good).

Steve attended Avalon Elementary and then Middle Township High School where he excelled in football, basketball, and baseball. He played semi-pro football for a short while after graduation. He also attended Cumberland County Community College. He then joined the National Guard followed by a stint in the U.S. Army.

Steve worked at various jobs after the Army including house painting and bartending. He and his brothers purchased Sylvester's Fish Market and Restaurant on 21st Street (over the bridge) in Avalon in 1978 and ran it for almost 25 years. He retired from the restaurant business in 2003.

Steve enjoyed playing golf at Avalon Golf Course with his buddies for many years. He also enjoyed anything to do with sports, especially the Phillies and Eagles. He was always the life of the party and ballbuster at the 19th Hole.

Steve leaves behind his loving wife, Karen (Buckwalter), it would have been their 50th Anniversary this November 8th; his son, Stephen, Jr.; and daughter, Stacy Donohue (Kevin). He was a loving, doting grandfather ("Poppy") to his two grandchildren, Madelyn and Connor. He is also survived by his brothers, William and Fred; a brother-in-law, David Buckwalter; and several nephews and nieces. Steve is also survived by many friends with whom he enjoyed spending time together.

A celebration of life will be held at the Avalon Links, 1510 Route 9 North, Cape May Court House on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, at 4 p.m. Interment will be private.

Contributions in Steve's memory can be made to the Middle Township Ambulance Corps, PO Box 331, Cape May Court House, NJ 08210. Condolences at www.radzieta.com.