Obituary of Joseph M. Sylvester

Joseph M. Sylvester, 77, of Peabody, died Wednesday evening at the Kaplan Family Hospice House, Danvers, following brief illness. He was the devoted husband of Francelina (Sousa) Sylvester with whom he shared 56 years of marriage. Born in Peabody, he was the son of the late Manuel Sylvester and Anna (Perry) (Sylvester) George. He was a lifelong resident of Peabody and attended Peabody Public Schools. He was a veteran of World War II, who served with the United Stated Navy. He later worked for over 43 years as a tool and dye maker for General Electric River works Plant in Lynn, retiring in January of 1988 He was actively involved with Our Lady of Fatima Church, serving on several committees’ . He also was a member of the Portuguese VFW, and enjoyed golfing, gardening, bowling and traveling. Besides his loving wife, he is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, Charles Manuel and Lisa Sylvester of Peabody, a daughter and son-in-law, Francine A. Johnson of Nashua, NH and Michael of Tyngsboro, a sister, Hilda Thibodeau of Peabody, 5 grandchildren, Victoria and her husband Paul Gallagher of So. Hadley, Michael Johnson Jr. of Tyngsboro, and Thomas, Daniel, and Bethany Sylvester, all of Peabody, 2 great grandchildren, Ashley Gallagher and Joshua Babcock, and is also survived by several nieces and nephews. He was the brother of the late John and George Sylvester. His funeral service will be held on Monday at 9:00 AM from the Conway, Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home, 12 Chestnut St., Peabody Facility, followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:00 AM in Our Lady of Fatima Church, Peabody to which relatives and friends are invited to attend. Burial in Puritan Lawn Memorial Park, Peabody. Visitation on Sunday from 4:00 until 7:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Kaplan Family Hospice House, 78 Liberty St., Danvers, Ma 01923.