Robert Sylvester

Robert James Sylvester, age 69 of York, NE died Friday, September 23, 2011 at his home in York. He was born October 11, 1941 to Donald O. and Rosella (Higgins) Sylvester at Sioux City, Iowa. He was united in marriage to Barbara Kudelko on June 6, 1964 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Glenview, Illinois. Bob was a lifelong C.P.A. and a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in York. From 1970 to 1978, Bob was a partner in the firm, Lindell, Sylvester and Lindell, CPA’s. In 1978 he started his own accounting practice, Robert J. Sylvester, CPA. Merging with Larry Kopsa and Mark Swanson in 1988, the firm became Kopsa, Swanson & Sylvester CPA’s. They renovated the old York Public Library as their office keeping within the guidelines to preserve it in the historical record. Bob was also the Executive Director of the York Housing Authority from 1969 -1999. He was also on the Board of Trustees of Public Housing Authorities Directors Association and appointed to the Nebraska Affordable Housing Commission. For his service, he was awarded the Orville Stanton Memorial Award and Recognized by the Greater York Area Chamber of Commerce. Bob served on St Joseph’s Church Board as treasurer for many years and was the Finance Chairman for the School Building Campaign. For the past 12 years he has been retired due to his health, but always looked forward to fishing with his grandkids every summer in Minnesota. He was an avid Notre Dame fan.

Bob is survived by his wife Barbara of York and five children and their families: Patrick (Tammy) Sylvester and their children Claire, Grace, and Frances of Winnetka, Illinois; Daniel (Trish) Sylvester of Chicago, Illinios; Beth LaFave and her children Nick, Chris, and Nate of Omaha, NE; Ann (Sean) McGrath and their daughter Maia of Las Vegas, Nevada; and Donald (Alyssa) Sylvester and their son Branoch of Centennial, Colorado.

He is also survived by three siblings: Jean (Ed) Morken of Las Vegas, Nevada, Mary (Mitch) Kulawik of Sioux City, Iowa, and Bill Sylvester of Sioux City, Iowa; sister-in-law Marlys Sylvester of Sioux City, Iowa, and brother-in-law Robert (Jean) Kudelko of Lenexa, Kansas; many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Don.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held at 10:30 am, Wednesday, September 28, 2011 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, York. Private family inurnment will be held at a later date. Memorials may be directed to Mount Michael Benedictine High School.