George Lyle Sylvernale

Lakeville — George Lyle Sylvernale, 88, of Prospect Street, died on July 21, 2009, at Sharon Hospital. He was the devoted husband of the late Laura (Heikkila) Sylvernale.

Mr. Sylvernale was born Jan. 14, 1921, in Lakeville, the son of Ruth (Phillips) and John Parker Sylvernale,  one of the founders of Community Service, which used to be a chain of local hardware stores that sold everything from fishing equipment to farm machinery years ago.

He worked for his father at Community Service until he joined the Army Air Corps during World War II, where he was stationed on a crash boat outfit in the Gulf of Mexico. Because they needed more infantrymen, he then joined the U.S. Army and became part of Company L 311th Infantry Regiment. He fought on the battlefields of Germany and Central Europe and received the Bronze Star, Good Conduct Medal, Victory Medal, the European African Middle Eastern Theater Campaign Ribbons and the American Theater Campaign Ribbon. He was an expert marksman and rifleman in the service, receiving honors for that as well.

When the war ended, Mr. Sylvernale returned to Lakeville. He continued to work for Community Service before going to work for Keuffel and Esser, a new factory that had opened in Millerton. He would be employed there until his retirement 28 years later.

Mr. Sylvernale constructed his own house in the 1950s, doing most of the electrical and plumbing work, as well. He had a great knowledge of automobiles and could repair almost anything.

He also loved the outdoors and working on his property. He was a  great lover of animals and loved to bird watch. In his earlier years he could often be spotted walking the bike path with the family golden retriever or helping his daughter care for her horses.

Mr. Sylvernale is survived by two children, a daughter, Felicia M. Sylvernale of Lakeville, and a son, Ensi P. Sylvernale; daughter-in-law Cheryl and granddaughter Rebecca of Kutztown, Pa.; and his beloved golden retrievers, Trevor and Zoe.

A private graveside service will be celebrated at the Salisbury Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be sent to the Salisbury Volunteer Ambulance Service, PO Box 582, Salisbury, CT 06068.

Arrangements are under the care of the Kenny Funeral Home in Sharon.

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