Name: Calling hours for René A. Sylvester
Start: 2021-05-20T20:00:00.000Z
End: 2021-05-20T22:00:00.000Z
Location: Bangs Funeral Home - Ithaca

René A. Sylvester

Ithaca - René A. Sylvester, 75, of Ithaca, NY, passed away unexpectedly on May 15, 2021.

René was born in a Red Cross camp in Denmark in 1945. His family later moved to France and then traversed the Atlantic Ocean in November on a Red Cross boat to Quebec City. When René was a teenager his family moved to Brooklyn and finally Geneseo, NY.

René was preceded in death by his father, Paul, mother, Alfreda and granddaughter, Mira Brouwer.

He is survived by his wife of 25 years, Melissa Sylvester; his children Yann Luc Sylvester, Anna Sylvester of Ithaca, NY, Paul Sylvester (Jennifer) of Fairfax, VA and Christine Brouwer of Ithaca, NY; his grandchildren, Parker and Emmett Sylvester, Jackson and Korrine Brouwer; his siblings Dori Sawyer and Nicole Sylvester (Gary Hoffman) of Geneseo, NY, Denis Sylvester (Linda) of Bloomfield, NY. As well as many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews and cousins in Montreal, France and Austria.

René was proud of his service in the United States Air Force and as a Vietnam Veteran. He grieved for those that were taken too soon and was grateful for the connections he had and made with fellow Veterans.

Professionally, René worked as a Psychologist in Drug and Alcohol Treatment Centers and then as a School Psychologist at TST BOCES and the Ithaca City School District.

René had a love for books, airplanes, cars, motorcycles, craft beers and most importantly, people. René connected with people everywhere he went and made many cherished friendships through groups of interest as well as just walking down the street. He had an insatiable love of life and sense of humor that filled a room. He will be so missed by all who loved him. Carpe Diem.

There will be calling hours Thursday, May 20, 2021, from 4 - 6pm at Bangs Funeral Home, 209 West Green St., Ithaca, NY and memorial service Friday, May 21, 2021 at 1pm at Perkins Funeral Home Chapel, 55 W. Main St, Dryden, NY. Social Distancing and Mask guidelines will be followed. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation on behalf of Yann Sylvester who will be attending college in the Fall. Contributions can be made via: ugift529.com with code E93-91P as an electronic payment or mail in check. Online condolences at Bangsfuneralhome.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Ithaca Journal from May 17 to May 18, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for René Sylvester

Sponsored by The Ithaca Journal.

6 Entries

Michael Thuesen

June 5, 2021

A true viking in every way. I'll miss you my friend and will always remember your good-natured joshing at my being the youngest member of VVA Chapter 377. Don't rock Valhalla to hard. I'll see you there.

Annemarie Sylvester

May 23, 2021

The first thing I remember my cousin Rene about was his giggly laughter. He was about 10 years old. It was in 1957. We - my sister Jutka and my parents just arrived as refugees from Hungary (1956 revolution against Russian occupation) We did not speak French or English (this was in Quebec City), verbal communication was
impossible except by hand signs, still Rene tried his best to let us know that we were welcome.

Years later when my uncle moved his family to the USA we kept in touch mostly through our parents. We all ended up again in different countries. So unfortunately we met very seldom and for very short time. Our lives
were elsewhere .

Hearing about Rene 's passing shocked and pained us deeply and our heart and prayers go out to all the family.
Rest in Peace cousin Rene!

Russ Traunstein

May 23, 2021

I was saddened to hear of Rene's passing. I worked with him at the Van Dyke Addiction Treatment Center in the mid-1980's and have fond memories of him. We ran into each other at our children's hockey games many years ago and he was always smiling, happy to see an old colleague. I wish only the best for his family, children, relatives and friends as his loss is profound.

Anthony Sipos

May 23, 2021

Elisa and I would like to send our deepest condolences to our extended family for the loss of cousin René. We are truly saddened and remember the nice visits by René, Melissa and the kids to Montreal. It was always interesting talking with René - had a wealth of experiences and an active life. We were very happy to have welcomed him to our wedding where he also thrived in active discussions with our friends - they all had a great takeaway. Rest in peace dearest cousin. Sincerely Anthony+Elisa.

Andrew Cove

May 21, 2021

Sincere condolences to Melissa and all the Sylvester Family, such a loss. Rene and I met years ago through the Ithaca Men’s Network and from there became close friends for many years. I really appreciated his honest counsel, playfulness and loyalty and I am so glad our paths crossed.

Lisa Bontempi

May 18, 2021

Melissa, I am heartbroken to learn of Rene’s passing. I worked with him for many years at South Hill and always found him to be an amazing school psychologist and great advocate for the students. He always smile brighter when he talked about you and your kids. Please know that I am keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers during such a difficult time. Rest In Peace Rene.

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