Ronald Charles Sylvia of South Yarmouth passed away unexpectedly Thursday January 11, 2018 in Keene, New Hampshire while visiting family with his wife, Kathleen. He was 70 years old.

Ron was born in Wareham, the son of the late Walter and Mary (Reed) Sylvia. His youth was spent primarily in Sandwich. Ron enlisted in the United States Army at the age of seventeen. Deployed to Vietnam as a food serviceman, he proudly fed his fellow soldiers. Ron wore many hats upon his return to the States, ultimately becoming a master finish carpenter here on Cape Cod, where his handiwork will stand as a testament to his exemplary woodworking skills for decades- if not centuries- to come.

A devoted husband, steadfast father of five, and dedicated Grandpa, Ron embodied quiet strength and unconditional love. He was a dog whisperer, a baby calmer, a driveway mechanic, a freshwater fisherman, and a lotto ticket scratch master. An honest old time Cape Codder, he made the best kale soup from scratch and the best brownies from a box. He knew the back roads like the back of his hand. Sharing his years of experience, Ron happily worked long hours alongside friends and family on various construction and remodeling projects. Always the gentle voice of reason, Ron will be missed most of all for the calm sense of safety he inspired in his loved ones.

Ron's absence will be most acutely felt by his wife and best friend of decades, Kathleen Sylvia, whom he faithfully loved with all his heart. He will be deeply missed by sons, Benjamin Sylvia of Wendell, Timothy Sylvia of Hyannis, Scott Croumie of Charlestown, Jeff Croumie of South Yarmouth, and by daughter, Zoe Patricia Sylvia Burch of Petersham. He is also survived by siblings, Jacqueline Daley of West Yarmouth, Geri Hanson of Beaverton, OR, Roger Kevin Sylvia of Ojai, CA, Peter Sylvia of Florida, Michael Sylvia of West Yarmouth and John Ellis Jr. of New York. His memory will endure in the stories passed down to his grandchildren Jacob and Chloe Croumie of South Yarmouth, and Phoebe, Maisie, and Amelia Burch of Petersham. In addition to his parents, Ron was predeceased by brothers, Walter and Stephen Sylvia.

Funeral services will be private.

As an expression of sympathy, memorial donations may be made to the American Heart Association, P.O. Box 417005, Boston, MA 02241-7005, www.heart.org.

Marilyn,myself and Marilyns mother were extremely saddend to here of Rons passing.Ron had done a lot of remolding work at our home and for Marilyns mothers home. He became a good friend of our family and we were allways pleased with all the work he had done for us. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and family. Sincerely Bob and Marilyn Kelley,Marilyn Stueks [Nana] We will truly miss him.

I am very sorry to hear about Ronnie and my heart goes out to you and your family. I loved him and will miss him. All my prayers go out to all of you. Love, Jeri, Chuck, Marnie, Nickie, and Charlie. I have sent a message 3 times, and it doesn't show up, so if I'm doing something wrong, please forgive.

My heart goes out to the whole family. Ronnie was a special person, now hes with the lord. He will be deeply missed. Jeri, Chuck, Marnie, Nickie, and Charlie Hanson

I'm sorry for your loss. I wish I was able to meet my uncle Ron. From what I have heard he was a wonderful person.

I am very sorry for your family's loss. Mr. Sylvia sounds like an extraordinary man, much like his son Scott. Keep each other close in this time of sadness and find ways to remember the many good times you all had together.

So sorry to learn about your loss. My deepest sympathies and prayers for your family.

I am so sorry for your family’s sudden loss, Tim. I wish you peace and joy in each new moment.

The memories of our times together will live on in my heart always !