Robert Sylvester

A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held for Robert Michael Sylvester, 92 of Chico, on Wednesday, July 14, 2010 at 11 a.m. at Our Divine Savior Catholic Church. He passed away on Friday, July 9, 2010 at his home. Robert was born December 20, 1917 in New York City. He enlisted in the Marine Corps and served from 1941 to 1945. He participated in the initial landing on Guadalcanal in 1942 and was in the first landing craft to hit the beaches. Following his military service, he worked in the publishing industry in New York City, achieving several executive positions before acquiring Chico News Agency in 1964, a wholesale distributor of magazines and books. Robert was active in the University Foundation, serving on the Board of Governors, and in 1981 he received the Distinguished Service Award in recognition of his outstanding commitment. He was preceded in death by his eldest son, John Michael Sylvester and his infant grandson, Thomas Robert Sylvester. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Anna Mae; children, Therese Morris and her husband Rich, Mary Pullin, Elizabeth Brooks and her husband BK, Robert Matthew Sylvester and his wife Carol; daughter-in-law, Helena Cymbal; his beloved grandchildren, Daniel and Kloe Brooks, Matthew, Nicholas and Megan Sylvester; brother, Richard Sylvester and sister, Agnes Peterson. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the National WWII Museum in care of the Brusie Funeral Home.