Longtime harness racing industry participant Sharon Sylvester, of De Leon Springs, Fla., passed away on March 20, 2023, after suffering from dementia for nearly six years. She was 79.
Mrs. Sylvester was the devoted wife of Chuck Sylvester, Hall of Fame trainer of some of Standardbred’s finest racing champions. She married Chuck in 1973 and became an integral part of his success in Sylvester Stable Racing Team. She took to the sport instantly and worked at the barn and at the tracks with her husband. The Sylvesters, together with the seven children and one grandson they raised, travelled from Michigan to Florida and on to New Jersey, making the harness racing business a great family affair.
Mrs. Sylvester is survived by her husband, Charles Sylvester; son, Gary Napierala (Amee); daughters, Laurie Napierala Veroxie, Franci Sylvester Messe (John), Amy Sylvester Stoltzfus (Michael) and Molly Sylvester; Randy Beeckman, who became part of the Sylvester family as a young boy; grandsons, Ryan Napierala (Claire), Zachary Napierala (Christine) and Parker Napierala; granddaughters, Kacy Stoltzfus and Kylie Stoltzfus; brother, Gary P. Doyle; sisters, Patricia Vandenbusche (Norman), Gloria Gedeon (Conroy) and Dawn Wahl (Ronnie); eight nieces and nephews; and many great-nieces and great-nephews. She was preceded in death by sons, Kenneth Napierala and Troy Sylvester; and beloved parents, Alice and James Doyle.
In lieu of flowers, please send memorial contributions to St. Jude Hospital or the Mayo Clinic in Cleveland, Oh.
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Sharon Sylvester.
(USTA)