Obituary of Michael W. Sylvester

MMichael Walter Sylvester, a General Contractor and Developer, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday night, November 23, 2016. He was 64 years old. Michael grew up in Cambridge and Somerville. He was a graduate of Cambridge Rindge and Latin High School and furthered his education at Columbia University in New York. He worked as a carpenter and eventually started his own company called Turnkey Structures. He worked as a general contractor as well as a developer working mainly on single and multi-family homes in the Cambridge and Somerville area. Between his knowledge of construction along with easy going jokester mannerisms, it made him well-liked by his clients and sub-contractors. Michael was a dedicated family person. He was 1 of 11 children in the family. He was born to Richard and Rita Sylvester and was a twin to Stephen Sylvester. Growing up in the Sylvester home was never dull and you always knew when Michael was in the room. It was always filled with laughter, love, confusion, and people whether it was family or friends. Michael frequented Harvard Square in his youth, whether it was work or fun, he was always there and always accompanied by his twin Stephen and other siblings. After marrying his wife Lee, they settled in Burlington to raise their 2 children. They purchased a summer home in Wellfleet where they shared many summers on the beach, swimming and fishing. Cape Cod has always held a special place in Michael’s heart along with Rocky Pond in Hollis NH, another favorite spot to fish and spend time with family. He was also a big Boston sports fan and a diehard Red Sox Fan. He learned from his parents the importance of family and shared those values with his children. Michael was the beloved husband of the late Lee (Whittemore) and the loving father of Kristen of San Diego, CA and William of Burlington. Son of Rita Sylvester Haley of Medford and the late Richard Sylvester Sr. of Somerville. Brother of Richard Sylvester Jr., Donna Lindsey, Stephen Sylvester, Debbie Sylvester, Diane Ames, Thomas Sylvester, Denise Colarusso, Darlene Donovan, Mark Sylvester, and Eric Haley. Also survived by many nieces, nephews, and cousins. A memorial service will be held at Grand View Farm, 55 Center St., Burlington on Friday, Dec. 2 at 10:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Michael’s name may be made to the Dan Farber Cancer Institute – Jimmy Fund, 10 Brookline Place West, 6th Floor, Brookline, MA 02445 www.dana-farber.org. For obituary & online guestbook see www.sullivanfuneralhome.net. For directions see www.burlington.org .