Robert Achille Sylvester, 87 of Elmhurst, passed away peacefully December 3, 2024 surrounded by his loving family.
Born in Chicago, February 9, 1937 Bob was the youngest child of the late John and Anna (Menotti) Sylvester. He was preceded in death by his devoted wife Barbara (Orth) Sylvester; survived by his loving daughters Maura (Butch) Navarro, Barbara Colella, Cadden Kapsalis and Kate Sylvester; cherished grandchildren Anthony (Rachel), Michael (Mindy), Taylor (Ryan), Catey (Sean), Madison Navarro, Gino (Danielle) and Giulia Colella, Marcos and Caleb Kapsalis; beautiful great-grandchildren and fond uncle to many nieces and nephews.
Bob was the youngest of 3 – Louis 14 years his elder, Antoinette 7, and Bob was the baby. He looked up to his big brother, like a second father and followed by example when he joined the Army. He loved singing with his sister Nan, who sang like a songbird; they shared the love of music.
The Sylvester family moved to Lombard, Illinois where Bob attended Sacred Heart Catholic School until 8th grade. Bob arrived as a fully developed young man with his 5’10” stature, a distinct deep voice and broad shoulders.
He attended Glenbard High School in Glen Ellyn, played 4 years of football and was voted MVP by his peers. It was in high school that he met many of his lifelong, loyal and best friends. And although his mother was proud of him, she never once went to a game to watch him play for fear of seeing him get hurt.
During high school, Bob met Bobbe and soon after they were affectionately called “the Bobbes”. His beloved wife of 63 years, Bobbe, lived in Wheaton and after a high school gathering they took a car ride with another couple and found their true love while driving down Route 64, North Avenue all the way to Chicago. Mom fondly remembered Dad putting his arm around her and for 63 years she welcomed that gesture.
Bob graduated from Marquette University with a Bachelor of Science in business and was proud of his Jesuit education. He was intrigued by the theology classes, enjoyed his business courses but had his sights on Bobbe and wrote numerous love letters that she kept in a wicker traveling case and saved for 63 years.
After college, Bob and Bobbe happily wed and as a newlywed Bob enlisted in the Army. Bobbe began to teach first grade while setting up their home and excitedly awaiting their first child. Bob and Bobbe went on to have 4 daughters. Bob was most proud when any one of them were throwing a ball, swinging a golf club or baseball bat, casting a line or dancing to their favorite music.
In 1971 Kate was born profoundly brain damaged. Bob and his family knew Kate needed more care and felt blessed to find Misericordia, Kates’s home away from home. Bob discovered public institutions were at capacity and private homes were cost prohibitive for most Illinoisans. He successfully utilized resources, connected with local friends in political positions and eventually helped to enact a state law to subsidize private homes for the disabled. Bob advocated for not only his daughter, but for all citizens of Illinois. From then, and to this date, that law is in place. Bob proudly volunteered and served as president of the Misericordia Parents Association and together with Bobbe and their family and friends have worked steadfastly over decades to fund raise for Misericordia.
Bob achieved top salesman for Sears Roebuck in Highland Park and utilizing his training in the areas of heating and cooling, went on to partner with his brother Lou in home construction. When the opportunity arose to strike out on his own, R.A. Sylvester Builders, Inc. was founded and as General Contractor he successfully developed subdivisions, built apartment complexes, and conscientiously guided customers through custom home construction throughout DuPage County. He became known as “Bob the builder” and often was heard saying, “The bitterness of a poorly built home remains long after the sweetness of a low price”. Bob served as president of Northern Illinois Homebuilders Association and enjoyed trips to Hawaii, Switzerland and Mexico as thanks for his years of strong leadership.
Not only hard working and dedicated to a cause, he was a die hard Chicago Cubs and Bears fan, an avid and studied fisherman, golfer, animated storyteller and history buff. He loved family, music and preparing and sharing a tasty meal. He always had a good joke to tell, a prank to pull and a hearty laugh to share!
A Mass of Christian burial is planned for February 15, 2025, 10 am at Immaculate Conception Church, 134 Arthur Street, Elmhurst, IL followed by interment at St. Peters Cemetery, Elmhurst, IL.
For more information please visit gibbonsfuneralhome.com or call 630-832-0018.
In memory of Bob Sylvester, donations welcome to Misericordia Home c/o Kate Sylvester (#2241A), 6300 N. Ridge Ave., Chicago, IL. 60660 or misericordia.org.