Anthony J. "Tony" Sylvester

Anthony J. “Tony” Sylvester, Ph. D, age 90, of Bloomsburg, died peacefully with his wife at his side on Monday, January 11, 2021.

Born in Newark, New Jersey on August 1, 1930, he was the son of the late Pasquale and Angelina (Grasso) Silvestri. He resided in Bloomsburg since 1965.

Tony was a graduate of St. Benedict’s Catholic High School in Newark. He earned his B.A. and M.A. degrees from Rutgers University and his Ph. D. in History from the University of Chicago.

Tony served his country with honor during the Korean War as a member of the U. S. Army from June, 1954 to May, 1956.

He was a professor in the history department at Bloomsburg University from 1965 to 1992 when he retired.

He enjoyed international travel and escorted several college groups on tours. Following retirement, he became an avid ceramics maker. He also served as an active member of the Coalition for Social Equity in Bloomsburg and continued to serve until 2020. Since 1992, he was an active member of the University Community Task Force on Racial Equity.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Eileen Conlon, on July 2, 2009, and daughter, Sharon P. Sylvester, on November 23, 2017.

Surviving is his wife, Vera Viditz-Ward with whom he observed their 17th wedding anniversary on March 15, 2020; a son, Anthony P. Sylvester, and his wife Molly Bleecker, Albuquerque, New Mexico; his grandson, Anthony G. Sylvester, Albuquerque, New Mexico; his brother-in-law, Joseph Conlon; his nieces Diane Conlon, Lori Conlon, Angela Conlon; his nephew Joseph Conlon; and his four grand-nieces and nephews.

Tony was known for his larger-than-life personality to even those he met only briefly. He meant so much to so many - always kind, inspiring and seeing the best in people.  He was able to make all those in his presence – strangers or not – feel welcome, loved and important.  Most importantly, Tony cherished family.  Throughout his life, he never missed an opportunity to spend time with family members – be it as a brother, husband, father, grandfather or uncle. His love, outlook and heartfelt concern for each member of the family will be greatly missed.

Memorial services will be scheduled following the Covid-19 pandemic.

In lieu of flowers, friends may remember Tony by contributing to either the Bloomsburg Food Cupboard, 342 Iron St., Bloomsburg, PA 17815 or to a charity of the donor’s choice.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Dean W. Kriner, Inc., Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 325 Market Street, Bloomsburg.