2020 -- S 2148

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2020

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S E N A T E   R E S O L U T I O N

EXPRESSING CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF DANIEL D. SYLVESTER

     Introduced By: Senators Satchell, Algiere, Gallo, Ruggerio, and Lombardi

     Date Introduced: January 28, 2020

     Referred To: Recommended for Immediate Consideration

     WHEREAS, Daniel D. "Coach" Sylvester passed away on January 8, 2020. He was the

devoted husband of Dillia Sylvester for fifty-seven years, and the son of the late John and

Lucinda Sylvester; and

     WHEREAS, Mr. Sylvester was an incredibly talented coach, leader and organizer who

had a passion for athletics throughout his entire life. He first garnered the nickname "Coach"

when, as a Senior at LaSalle Academy, he coached the Bristol Vikings basketball team to a

championship; and

     WHEREAS, Mr. Sylvester served our nation with honor, integrity and distinction as a

member of the United States Air Force from 1951 to 1955. After receiving his honorable

discharge from the military, he attended Sacramento State College, graduating in 1959. His first

teaching positions were in the State of Wyoming where he taught at Dubios and St. Mary's High

Schools from 1959 to 1962, also serving as the Boys' Basketball Coach; and

     WHEREAS, Mr. Sylvester returned to Rhode Island with his wife Dillia in 1962, and

obtained an M.Ed. from Rhode Island College in 1971. He taught Physical Education in West

Warwick, and served as the West Warwick Director of Athletics. As the Director of Athletics, he

expanded the athletics programs significantly. Mr. Sylvester fought tirelessly to sustain athletic

programs in the midst of budget cuts, and played a vital role in the creation of the athletic

complex in West Warwick. He also established the West Warwick Wizards Awards Association,

and was honored as the Rhode Island and Eastern Regional Athletic Director of the Year and

received the Bert Summer Memorial "Service to Sports" award for 1976-77; and

     WHEREAS, Mr. Sylvester will be long remembered for his excellence as a basketball

coach. He compiled an outstanding record of 652 wins and 391 losses as the basketball coach at

West Warwick High School, and Westerly High School. His teams won six State Championships

and nine League Championships. He was named Coach of the Year six times and was selected to

coach the All-Star games in three seasons. He also founded and directed Summer basketball

camps in West Warwick and Westerly; and

     WHEREAS, Mr. Sylvester was a member of numerous athletic-relations associations and

organizations including the Rhode Island Interscholastic Administrators Association and the

Basketball Coaches Association, where he was a member of the Executive Board and held

various offices throughout his tenure. He also served as the Athletic Directors Liaison to the

Principals Committee on Athletics, was a member of the Warwick Umpires Association and the

Rhode Island Baseball Umpires Association, served as the Commissioner of the Southeast New

England Collegiate Umpires Association, and the Ocean State League Umpires, and as an

Assistant Coach for the Rhode Island Braves AAU Team, and was General Manager of the

Riverpoint Royals; and

     WHEREAS, Mr. Sylvester received numerous awards and honors during his prestigious

public service career including being inducted into the West Warwick High School Hall of Fame,

the Rhode Island Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association and the New England

Basketball Halls of Fame. Mr. Sylvester was also honored with the Rhode Island Principals

Committee Recognition Award, the Dedicated Service Award, the Pard Pearce Award, and the

Sportsmanship Award. He also received the Rhode Island Interscholastic League Legends Award,

and had the honor of having the West Warwick High School Gymnasium named in his honor; and

     WHEREAS, After retiring, Mr. Sylvester became the President of the West Warwick

Assistance Agency, Society of St. Vincent DePaul & Social Committee at Saints John & James

Parish. He was a Eucharistic Minister, lector, altar server, and worked at the Rhode Island

College Recreation Center until just a few months ago; and

     WHEREAS, In addition to his wife, Dillia, Mr. Sylvester leaves behind his children,

Daniel, Helen Irene and her partner, Bill, Ann Marie and her fiancé, Mark, Mary Elizabeth and

her husband, Kevin, and his grandchildren, Liz, Matthew, and Dr. Steven Lafond, Zachary and

Courtney Calci, and Victoria Sylvester. He was also a great-grandfather to Adelyne, Isabella and

Abigail, and uncle to 14 nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind his two sisters, Anna and

Margaret; and

     WHEREAS, Mr. Sylvester was a devoted family man who always put his family first in

his life and loved travelling to spend time with them. He also enjoyed the theater and music, and

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was a devoted Yankees fan. He was very loyal and generous and was the best husband, father,

son, brother, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend anyone could have in their lives; now,

therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations

hereby expresses its condolences to the Sylvester family on the passing of Daniel D. Sylvester;

and be it further

     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to

transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to Dillia Sylvester and Family.

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