Henry E. Sylvester (1923-2016)

CANTON – Henry E. Sylvester, 93, died peacefully on Wednesday, May 4, 2016, at Pinnacle Health and Rehab surrounded by his loving family.

Henry was born on Jan. 30, 1923, and was raised in Canton by his parents, John and Doris (Sylvester) Hunt.

He attended school in Canton until the age of 14 when he began working as a lumberman in the woods of Canton in order to help support his family. A hard work ethic was instilled in Henry at a young age, a trait that carried on throughout his entire life.

In 1942, he was drafted into the United States Army which led him to travel to many places including Louisiana, California, Australia, New Guinea, the Philippines and lastly, Japan during WWII. He was stationed with the 253rd Signal Construction Corp. and earned the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, Victory Medal, The American Theatre Campaign Ribbon, and the Philippine Liberation Ribbon.

After his discharge from the military, Henry went to school and learned heating, ventilation and air conditioning; he later went on to work for Oxford Paper Company where he was employed until his retirement in 1986. Henry was married to Elizabeth Stults for 17 years before her passing due to cancer. He later met and married Phyllis Child, and together they raised their children and one grandchild together.

Henry was a reliable, goodhearted man, who would help anyone in need. He enjoyed going for car rides and loved animals. He was known for caring for stray, sick or injured animals including dogs, cats, birds, and even a skunk. He was a well-respected man and in October of 2015, Henry was selected as one of 95 veterans across the country to participate in the “Honor Flight”. He was flown to Washington DC and toured the monuments with other veterans and his daughter by his side. He was also featured in the 2016 “Remember Me” book published by the Maine Health Care Association. He will be remembered for his generous spirit, and the true patriarch of his family.

He is survived by his loving children, Andy Sylvester and his wife, Jean of Florida, John Sylvester and his companion, Dawn Grassette of Peru, Debbie Jenkins of Peru, Candace Porter and her husband, Timothy of Peru, son in law, Eric Kerr and his fiancée Joyce of Peru, stepdaughter Ann Desjardins and her husband, Peter of Indiana, and step daughter, Toni Chivilo of Massachusetts; sister, Cathy (Honey) Carroll of Mechanic Falls; grandchildren, Jennifer Sylvester of Hebron, Laurie Theriault and her husband, Andy of Rumford, Eric Kerr Jr. and his wife, Timmie of Texas, Aaron Kerr and his wife, Christina of Texas, Barbara Sylvester and her companion, Dylan Gallant of Peru, Dakota Sylvester and his companion Miranda of Peru, Nikki Sylvester and her companion Dakota Hutchins of Peru, and Robert Worthley of Peru; step grandchildren, Kevin Desjardins and his wife Michelle of Indiana, Christina Parker and her husband, Casey of Jay, Jonathan Chivilo and his companion Candice Clough of Boston, and Justin Chivilo and his companion Allyson Bruder of Boston; great grandchildren, Matthew Theriault, Joshua Theriault, Kevin Kerr, Forrest Kerr, Cullen Kerr, Ashley Kerr, Madison Desjardins, Lucy Desjardins, Annita Mitchell, Caitlin Mitchell, and Lizzy Mitchell; 5 great great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Henry was predeceased by both of his wives, Elizabeth Stults and Phyllis Child; a daughter, Sandra Kerr; siblings Leo Hunt and Marion Gayton; son in law, George Jenkins; step son in law, Bart Chivilo; and brother in law, Fred Carroll.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to the wonderful staff at Pinnacle Health and Rehab in Canton for their kindness and excellent care.

Tributes and condolences may be shared by visiting his memorial wall at www.wilesrc.com.

A public graveside service will be held on Tuesday, May 10, 2016 at 2:00PM at Demerritt Cemetery in Peru with Rev. Eva Thompson officiating and military honors rendered by Camp Keyes. Remembrance gifts in memory of Henry may be made to: Greater Androscoggin Humane Society, 55 Strawberry Ave, Lewiston, ME 04240. Arrangements are in the care of Wiles Remembrance Center, 42 Weld Rd., Dixfield, ME 04224.