Sylvester F. Simchick

Deacon Sylvester F. "Cy" Simchick, 77, passed on to the Lord peacefully on April 6, 2011 in the arms of his loving wife of 57 years, Roselyn C. (Servidea) Simchick, in his Kenhorst residence. Born in Johnsonburg, he was the eldest son of the late Frank and Eleanor (Przybylski) Simchick. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Joseph, his sister, Lucy Myers, his son-in-law, Brian Grabus, daughter-in-law, Roberta (Lehmann) Simchick and niece, Suzie Simchick.

Deacon Cy was a 1951 graduate of Johnsonburg Area High School and a 1957 graduate of Penn State University. Thereafter, he was a Pfc. in the Army and served during the Korean War. Deacon Cy worked as an engineer for AT&T (Lucent) for over 35 years, retiring in 1994. At At&T, Deacon Cy was active in bowling, golf and softball and was the one person that his co-workers looked to for leadership.

In 1982, he was ordained a Permanent Deacon in the Diocese of Allentown. He served as Deacon at St Joseph's R.C.C., Reading from 1982 to 1988. From 1988 to 2011, he was the Deacon at St. John Baptist de la Salle R.C.C., Shillington. Deacon Cy visited parishioners in local hospitals and nursing homes, assisted in planning and implementing the RCIA program, instructed lectors and Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist in their ministry, conducted Stations of the Cross and Eucharistic Exposition and performed all the duties of a deacon, including baptizing, preaching Mass, conducting funerals and funeral home and graveside services, as well as serving at the many liturgical functions at Mass, Holy Days and liturgical seasons. Whether silent or spoken, Deacon Cy's word touched the lives of many. He was a charter member of Knight of Columbus 7179. He coached the Parochial Football League from 1968 to 1972. He was also active in Holy Name High School as a former president of the Band Booster, H.N. Booster and Blue Jay Club. Deacon Cy will be especially remembered for his deep love of his family, devotion to God and his congregation, his sense of humor and his caring for others. He was a champion bowler, avid fisherman, golfer and hunter. While he enjoyed the sport, he cherished the time he spent with family and friends most of all. Deacon Cy lived each day to the fullest and encouraged others to do the same. In addition to his wife he is survived by his four children: Nancy (Simchick) Grabus, Mt. Penn, Mark Simchick and wife, Barbara (Noll), Fleetwood, Jon Simchick and wife, Brenda (Richardson)Kenhorst, and Lisa Simchick, Pittsburgh. Also surviving are his four siblings: Richard Simchick, Johnsonburg, Catherine Snyder, St Marys, Dorothy Mitchell, St Marys and Ruth Bowes, Ridgeway. 11 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren also survive him and were the light of his life. There is a Natural Mystic blowing through the air . . . if you listen carefully, now, you will hear. Veo Que Mi Companero. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday, April 11, 2011 at 7 p.m. in St. John Baptist de la Salle, R.C.C., Shillington. A viewing will be Monday, April 11, 2011 from 1 to 3 p.m. and 4:30 to 6:45 p.m. in the church. Entombment will be private in Gethsemane Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be sent to St. John Baptist de la Salle (Parish Office, 420 Holland Street, Shillington, PA 19607) in Deacon Cy's name to create a lasting memorial. Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home, Inc., West Reading is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be recorded at www.kuhnfuneralhome.com.