Phillip Raymond Sylvester

Philip Raymond Sylvester

July 30, 1946 – November 11, 2025

Philip Raymond Sylvester of Cedarburg, WI passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, with his loving wife of 53 years by his side. Philip was born in Green Bay, WI, the second of four children to Joseph Paul and Mary Jane (O’Brien) Sylvester. Philip spent his childhood between his beloved Baileys Harbor, WI and Evanston, IL before eventually attending St. Thomas Military Academy in St. Paul and graduating from Evanston Township High School in 1965.

In 1971, Philip and Maureen (Shelley) officially met (after knowing of each other since childhood) and began dating, marrying in August of 1972. They built a beautiful and loving family, filled with trips to Baileys Harbor, vacations driving across the country and constant laughter. Philip is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Maureen; his daughter Bridget (Christopher) Ferrari of Carlisle, MA and Timothy (Jennifer) of St. Paul, MN. Philip is also survived by his adoring grandchildren, Joseph, Caroline, Sarah and Julia Ferrari; Alexander and Samuel Sylvester. Philip is also survived by his sister Mary Jane (Steve) Mooney and brother Thomas (Susan) Sylvester, as well as many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his son Clement James (Jimmy) who was born prematurely and passed away within hours of his birth. We find great comfort knowing that Philip/Dad is reunited with Jimmy. Philip was also preceded in death by his parents and older brother Paulie. Philip loved deeply, and was deeply loved by his wife, kids, grand kids, extended family and friends.

Philip was a man of deep faith who found great comfort in the Catholic religion. He volunteered countless hours teaching Christian Formation through St. Francis Borgia and made many lifelong friendships. Philip also mentored many teenagers through some of the same challenges that he faced growing up – he was the first to show up to help and the last to go home when things settled down.

Lastly, Philip found the career of his dreams when he went to work for Corey Oil in 2013. He loved working with his team, his customers and everyone in between.

Philip’s impact will be felt by many for years to come. His family wishes to thank Philip’s Care Team, including Dr. Colin Mooney, the medical staff of Froedtert Hospital, Horizon Hospice care, and Ascension Columbia St. Mary’s in Mequon, WI. We are all profoundly grateful for the care he received.

A visitation and memorial Mass celebrating Philip’s life will be organized in 2026, with details to be shared with family and friends once arrangements are finalized. The family looks forward to gathering with all who loved Philip to honor his memory.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to William’s Be Yourself Challenge, an organization that helps support grieving families through community, movement, and compassion. Proceeds will support grief awareness programming and construction of The Green House, a retreat for grieving families.