Mr. Donald “Skinny” Robert James Sylvester, Jr., 62, of Franklin, died at Mountain Ridge Health Care Center on May 24, 2018. He was born in Fort Bragg, NC US Army Hospital on October 21, 1955 to Donald R.J. Sylvester, Sr. and Gloria (Stafford) Sylvester. He spent the first 10 years of his life in South Carolina but made New Hampshire his home.
Growing up he was active in youth sports and a loyal newspaper boy. Skinny graduated from Franklin High School in 1973 where he played baseball and was a member of the unique Larry’s Last Lunch Bunch Club (LLLB). The members of the club went on to be best friends for life.
He was a 35 year member of the Franklin Elks Lodge and was a long time member of the VFW and American Legion. He spent countless hours coordinating and working on fundraising benefits for others. Skinny was a coach and supported the local Little League and Lassie League teams.
His fondest memories were of coaching his three girls. He was an avid golfer, sports fan, and loved his NE sports teams. Skinny was a loving family man and could always be heard saying “it’s all about family”.
His wife and children brought true meaning to his life. Skinny was a bartender all his life. Beginning his 40 year career as a bar manager at Mojalaki Country Club and ending at the Franklin Elks Club.
He was known throughout the state of New Hampshire for his exceptional bartending skills. Skinny won many bartending competitions. Although his bartending abilities made him popular, it was his way with people that made him an icon.
Everyone would agree, Skinny never met a stranger. Family members include his wife, Tinya “Boo” (Welch) Sylvester of Franklin, 3 daughters: Zoe Sylvester, Abby Sylvester, and Olivia Sylvester, all of Franklin, his sister Patricia Sylvester Prescott and husband Bill of Franklin and their children: Angela Sawyers and husband Zack of Boston, and great niece Riley Sawyers, Christina Prescott Watson and Will Prescott of South Carolina, his brother, Danny Sylvester and wife Renee of Franklin, their sons, Derrick Sylvester of Las Vegas and Dillon Sylvester of Boston, sister-in-law, Trenda Matthews and husband Chas of Lancaster, OH, their children, Kaylee, Karma Reed and Jaedyn Matthews, and many close uncles, aunts, and cousins. He was predeceased by his mother and father.
Visiting hours will be held on Wednesday at Thibault-Neun Funeral Home, 143 Franklin St., Franklin, from 5-8:00 pm. Funeral services will be held on Thursday at the Baptist Church of Franklin, NH on 21 Church Street, Franklin, NH, at 10am. Private family burial will take place the following week.
Donations in memory of Skinny may be made to his wife and daughters through the GOFUNDME account at: gofundme.com/bfhah-funeral-costs-and-family-support For directions and an online guestbook, please visit www.
If you found any mistakes, or you would like to add/remove to this obituary, please contact us by email: info@obituary.memorial. We never ask money for this.
