Celebration of David Sylvester's Life

David Sylvester 1968-2025

ANNOUNCEMENT David P. Sylvester Memorial Remembrance 2 pm, Sun., June 8 Stoney Creek Park Reception 1 pm-5 pm, Picnic Area F *Park entrance fee waived for guests. Dog park near by, four legged friends welcome. *******************************

We are very sad to announce that our beloved brother, David Paul Sylvester, passed into the next world on Wed., May 28, 2025.

David always held an extra special place in our family’s heart. He was born the youngest of five boys on August 16, 1968, the day after his father died. His birth brought immediate joy and light into the sadness of our home then, and always, throughout his life.

David was raised by his mother, Joyce, his grandma Lillian, and four siblings. He was a wise-cracking youngster who matured into a wisecracking man, loved for his quick wit. But David was not showy. He lived life with humility and treated everyone fairly and with compassion, and often found himself rooting for the underdog!

David is survived by Lisa Michels, his loving partner for nine years, and Lisa’s children, Sara Mandeville and husband, Jake; and Rachel Michels and her fiancé, Trevor Shaeffer. David and Lisa both went to Adlai Stevenson High School in Sterling Heights but didn’t meet up until later in life.

Lisa and David loved being together and doing fun things like eating at The Shamrock in Utica, The River Crab on the St. Clair River; staying beachside in Lexington on Michigan’s Thumb Coast; going to the Renaissance Festival, rock concerts and annual church fairs. They recently became engaged with plans to marry in 2026. There is a great video of David proposing to Lisa, on one knee and in a nervous voice, with the fiercest lighting storm ever, raging through the windows as a backdrop!

David is survived by three brothers: Ken Sylvester; Ted Sylvester (Laurie Wechter); and Dan Sylvester. David was preceded to the grave by his brother Larry Sylvester (1999). David’s nieces and nephews include Eric Sylvester, his wife Iyleea, and their children Sage and Madelyn; Amber Sylvester (2016) and her daughter, Brianna; Crystal (Sylvester) Harvey, husband Nate Harvey, daughter, Haley; and Alex Shipman.

Above all, David deserves to be remembered as a kind, gentle, and generous soul who loved his family, friends, and co-workers. David loved animals, especially his dogs Samantha and Peanuts, and his cats Charlie and Luna, among many others. He also loved his job at Pet Smart where he was truly appreciated!

Funds raised will be used for a memorial tribute to celebrate David’s life, and other expenses that will help during this difficult time. Anything left over will be donated to Dave's favorite charities; The American Breast Cancer Association and A Rejoyceful Animal Rescue. I'm organizing this fundraiser on behalf of my mom, Lisa.