Joseph A. Syler Sr.

Joseph A. Syler, Sr. Age 76, passed away on February 11, 2024. He was born August 18,1947 in Detroit, Michigan. Beloved son of the late Mary and George Syler. Joseph was Married to his beloved wife Loretta on April 17, 1982, at St. John Fisher Chapel in Rochester. He was a loving father to Joseph, Jr. (Bonnie), Andrea Christiansen and Gretchen (Jimmy) Reichenbach. He took great pride in his role as a grandfather to Katie (Justin) Gatwood, Sarah (Jonathan) Soring, Ryan Reichenbach, Vivien Christiansen, Grant (fiancée Cassidy) Reichenbach, Collin Syler, John Reichenbach, Curtis Reichenbach, Julie Syler, and Kelsey Syler. He was also cherished as a dear great-grandfather to Graham Gatwood and Grayson Gatwood. Joseph was the brother of James (Joanna) Dusseau Jr. and was preceded in death by brothers Bill Drummonds and Kelly Drummonds. He was a beloved brother-in-law to Darlene Drummonds and Dolores (Edward) Adams and uncle to Michael B. Adams, Michael Dusseau, Justin Drummonds, Brenden Drummonds, and the late Matthew Dusseau. Joseph's passions included rooting for University of Michigan football and all Detroit sports teams. He took pride in his southern heritage, was a huge fan of classic country music as well as Bluegrass. He was an enthusiastic member of the N-SSA (North-South Skirmish Association) for nearly 40 years, founding the 14th Tennessee Infantry in 1974. Later he would become a member of the 6th Wisconsin Infantry, and the 1st Michigan Infantry. Reading and studying Civil War history was one of his favorite things. He had a deep love for his dog, Bogey and his grand-dogs. Many summers were spent at the family cottage in Caseville, where he loved being on the beach surrounded by family, He was a member of Scenic Country Club where playing golf brought him great joy. Joseph dedicated over 30 years of his life to Valenite Corporation before finding fulfillment in his retirement as a Utica Community Schools bus driver, a job he truly adored. He also found solace in birdwatching and feeding birds in his yard. Visitation will be held on Friday, February 16th, from 2:00-8:00 pm, with a 7:00 pm K of C Rosary at the Wm. Sullivan & Son Funeral Home, 8459 Hall Road (3 Blks E. of Van Dyke) Utica. A Funeral Mass will take place on Saturday, February 17th. Instate 1:30 pm until the time of the Mass at 2:00 pm at St. Lawrence Catholic Church, 44633 Utica Road, Utica. In lieu of flowers, memorials are appreciated to the American Cancer Society or Lungevity. Please share a memory at www.sullivanfuneraldirectors.com

Joseph A. Syler Sr.

August 18, 1947 - February 11, 2024