John D. Sylvester, Jr., 82, died peacefully surrounded by the love of his family on June 9, 2026.

Born in Baltimore, Maryland to the late John, Sr. and Beatrice Sylvester (nee Dollinger), their family moved to Virginia where he attended Washington Lee High School. He then went to obtain his Associate Degree from the University of Virginia. In 1961 John went on to proudly serve his country for eight years in the Coast Guard. Being honorably discharged as A BM3 (Boatswain's Mate Third Class) Officer, he went on to meet the love of his life, Edith Furlong. The two were married in 1969 and settled in Fairfax, Virginia where they raised their family. He founded the Cub Scout Pack & Boy Scout Troop 146 in Fairfax that still goes on today. John found joy in supporting his children and grandchildren throughout their scout careers.

Mr. Sylvester worked as an accountant for IBM out of Montgomery County, Maryland. In his retirement, they moved to New Jersey in 1992. He and his family had a passion for Skiing. He enjoyed trails in Utah, Montana, The Swiss Alps, and South America, especially Chile. John was exceptionally proud of his children and grandchildren. They enjoyed quality time at the Jersey Shore creating memories.

Surviving are his beloved wife, Edith Sylvester, his loving children Mary Grace Gagliardi and husband Jeremy, Kristina Ann Schumacher and husband Karl, Patricia Lynn Sylvester, and Michael Sylvester and wife Valerie, and his cherished grandchildren, Dominic, Sage, Damian, Jonathan, Sean, Bryan, and Alex.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00PM on Thursday, June 11, 2026 at Cusick Funeral Home, 80 Mountain Avenue, Somerville.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30AM on Friday, June 12, 2026 at The Church of The Immaculate Conception, 35 Mountain Avenue, Somerville.

Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to the Children's National Hospital, 111 Michigan Ave NW, Washington, DC 20010 Click Here to Donate Online