Obituary of Sylvester Wisneski

Sylvester Wisneski, 94, of Wayne formerly of Valley Cottage, NY, born on February 3, 1918 passed away Jan. 30, 2013. Sylvester was the son of a coal miner in Pennsylvania. He was one of nine children. Early childhood was particularly difficult after his father died in a mine accident when he was five. His family moved around and finally settled in New York City on "Black Friday" 1929, the start of the Great Depression. He was selected to attend the Stuyvesant High School (a school for best and brightest) because of his academic achievements, but was forced to drop out his senior year, because he couldn't afford the 25 cents for sneakers to attend gym class. Stuyvesant High School finally awarded Sylvester his diploma in 2011. Sylvester was drafted into the Army on his birthday in 1943. He then married his sweetheart Rozel Sally Surabura. He shipped out for Europe in 1943. He was assigned to an Engineer Battalion to sweep for mines. Minesweepers had short life expectancies, were in great demand and their training was "on the job". Sy was in continuous combat until the end of the war. He was one of the first men to cross the Bridge at Remagen while under fire from the enemy. He was awarded the Bronze Star. After the war, Sy returned to NYC and continued married life with Sally. Sy was appointed to the NYPD in 1946. He served in the 7th precinct. He was promoted to Sergeant in 1956 and assigned to the 23rd Pct. He was assigned to the outdoor range in 1960, and was a certified Ballistic Expert. He was also in charge of the "War Wagon" - a welcome sight to hard pressed street cops. He later worked on the development of ballistic and Kevlar vests. During his long hours of service in the police force, Sy also earned a Bachelor of Science in Police Science from New York City College. Sy moved to Rockland County, NY in 1965 and retired in 1980 after 34 years. He and Sally traveled the world visiting every continent. He was a member of St. Paul's Catholic Church in Congers, NY, the Polaski Association of NYPD, and was the oldest member of Rockland County Shields. He is survived by Rozel Sally, his wife of 73 years; nephews, Robert (Patricia) Leszkowicz, Thomas (Susan) Zysk, Walter (Mari) Leszkowicz, and nieces, Stephanie Kruy and Pat Roberts. Sy's great nephews are Robert (Mei Li) Leszkowicz, Andrew (Aditee) Leszkowicz, Christopher (Allison) Leszkowicz, Thomas (Griffin) Zysk, Nicholas (Rachel) Zysk, and Ken Leszkowicz. Sy's great-great nephews and nieces are Robert and Kailin Leszkowicz, Shail and Surina Leskowicz, Christopher and Luke Leszkowicz, and Pela Zysk. Relatives and friends are invited to attend the funeral Mass on Tuesday, February 5, 2013 at 11:00 am at St. Paul's RC Church, 82 Lake Road West, Congers, NY. Visiting on Monday, February 4, 2013 from 2-4 and 6-8 PM at the funeral home. Interment will be in Gethsemane Cemetery, Congers, NY