Stephen J. Sylvester

Stephen Sylvester was a lover of all people. His gregarious personality was shown through his ability to reflect his honest opinions within earshot of whomever was nearby without any regard or reservations. It was no surprise that his jovial demeanor made so many endearing friendships over the years. Immensely proud of the young man he was becoming, his family loved him deeply and he was fondly admired by his many close friends.

Stephen Joseph’s story begins on November 27, 2005, in Livonia, Michigan. Born to Robert and Marie Sylvester, he lived a typical childhood of the times. The year 2005 was met with the creation and debut of the popular video sharing website, YouTube, as well as the devastation of Hurricane Katrina which affected New Orleans and its surrounding areas. There was no doubt that his birth brought great joy and happiness to his loving family home.

Active and outgoing, Stephen’s childhood was filled with many special and happy moments spent with his friends and family. His adventurous and carefree spirit was shown at an early age. He loved to solve puzzles, build train tracks with his Thomas the Tank Engine sets, and design with Legos. He especially liked playing with his brother, Thomas, and sister, Sarah, and his cousins. An avid reader during these years, he shared a love of reading time with his dad. As a family, they gave him a solid foundation of faith in the Catholic church where he thrived in his personal relationship with Jesus. Throughout his life he was guided by his faith and enjoyed being actively involved in his church community.

As he moved into his adolescent years, Stephen’s interest grew to include Nerf guns and Bionicles, a special construction line of Legos. Like most kids by this age, his primary passion and source of recreation was playing video games. Stephen spent his free time playing online with his friends and even went so far as to build a high-end gaming computer with his father. When he was not playing video games, he enjoyed relaxing by watching gaming reaction videos on YouTube. A highlight of his adolescent years was a trip with his dad to Las Vegas. Both avid gamers, they carefully chose the Luxor Hotel for its esports arena! The trip culminated with a desert dune buggy ride and shooting machine guns. He loved the creativity of gaming as well as the many long-lasting moments spent playing with friends and family alike!

A natural athlete, Stephen enjoyed playing both football and basketball as well as throwing shot put and discus on the track and field team at Saint Michael’s from the fourth through the eighth grade. Studious as well as ambitious, Stephen enjoyed history and was also part of Saint Michael’s Quiz Bowl team where he thrived during competitions. His ability to recall events and dates as well as give his team support were commendable. During this time he also enjoyed being an active member of Saint Michael’s Pro Life Club. Stephen was passionate about his convictions regarding his beliefs that all human life is valuable at all stages of development. Absolutely anything Stephen set his mind to doing, he always gave it his best!

Once at Detroit Catholic Central High School, he continued his zest for sports. He was proud to earn a letter as a freshman on the track and field team. It was evident that Stephen’s core values were to always be a good teammate while exhibiting good sportsmanship. Loyal as well as compassionate, he was willing to go the extra mile for his teammates and was always encouraging and supportive. His appetite matched his growth spurts and never turned down any amount of food! His favorite spots to frequent were the local Five Guys hamburger joint as well as Gauchos Brazilian Steakhouse on special occasions.

Sadly, Stephen is gone too soon. He will forever be remembered and deeply missed for his vibrant spirit. He was a simple person who wanted nothing but the best for others. An inspiration to so many, the full impact of his work here on Earth may never be known. May his loved ones never doubt the impact he had on their hearts and in their lives and may his special collection of memories be eternal.

Stephen Joseph Sylvester, of Livonia, Michigan passed away August 7, 2021, at 15 years of age. Stephen was a longtime member of St. Michael the Archangel Parish. Beloved son of Robert and Marie; Loving brother of Thomas and Sarah; Cherished grandson of John and Shirley Aerts, and Diane Sylvester; Adored nephew of Elizabeth (Steve) Ruso, Christine (John) Aerts, Suzanne Gajeski, Angela (Erik) Richards, Fr. John Aerts, Ronald (Iris) Aerts, Gregory (Jeannette) Aerts, Aric Aerts, Peter (Deb) Aerts, and Karen Sylvester; Also survived by many friends, classmates, and teammates. Stephen was predeceased by his grandfather, Jeffrey Sylvester. Visitation is planned for Friday, August 13, 2021 from 2-8 pm with a Rosary at 7 pm at Neely-Turowski Funeral Home, 30200 Five Mile Rd., Livonia, Michigan 48154. Instate will be held on Saturday, August 14, 2021, 10 am until time of Mass at 11 am at St. Michael the Archangel Parish, 11441 Hubbard, Livonia, MI 48150. Memorial donations may be made to Lifespan as well as Association of the Miraculous Medal.