Don was born in Jersey City, NJ. He was the son of the late Frank and Jane Sylvester. He graduated from Franklin and Marshall College in Lancaster, PA in 1977 with a BA in Economics. After his marriage to Beth he began a career in Banking and Finance until his retirement. He loved all sports and was especially fond of University of Michigan football and basketball. Don coached fall and spring baseball as well as basketball for the City of Raleigh for 12 years. He had a passion for coaching youth sports and it showed. He wanted to share his love of the game and teach kids the value of hard work and coming together as a team. Don found joy in making a positive impact on kids' lives. He had many successful teams as both head and assistant coach. His last game coaching his son, Danny, was a special one. On that night in 2002, they finally won a championship together, a night to always remember.

After retirement, he wrote commentaries and spoke weekly on an online Christian radio broadcast regarding economics and world events related to the Bible. He believed strongly in American Conservatism, including fiscal responsibility, free markets, and limited government. He spoke strongly about these issues because he cared much about the future of this great nation and wanted a better life for his children, grandchildren, and future generations. Don was a strong believer in Jesus Christ and had a great gift of knowledge of the Scriptures. His family is comforted knowing that he is now in the presence of the Lord. He was loved and will be greatly missed as Husband, Dad, and Pop-Pop.

Don is survived by his wife, Beth, and sister, Arlene Fricke and her husband Mike; Children: Brian Sylvester and his wife Julie, Dan Sylvester, and Kristie Gielow and her husband Charlie; Grandchildren: Nathan, Noah, Evan, Gabriel, Hannah and Jackson. There was a private family burial held on October 4th at Forest Memorial Gardens in Wake Forest, NC. A Celebration of Life Service for Don will be held at Celebration Church on November 6th at 10AM: 8700 Capital Blvd, Raleigh, NC 27616.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Compassion Internatinal, 12290 Voyager Parkway, Colorado Springs, CO 80921.