Joseph Augustus Sylvester

Long-time Davis resident, Joseph Augustus Sylvester, passed away peacefully on Friday, August 15, 2025, surrounded by loved ones at his home. He was 86 years old. Born on December 2, 1938, to Victoria Sylvester and Gardener Tempro in Colon, Panama, Joseph moved to New York City at age 5 where he was raised by Walter and Marie Andrew. He had a brother (Roberto) and a half-sister (Virginia).

After graduating from Boys High School, Joseph earned a B.A. degree from St. John’s University. He then proudly served our country for 4 years in the U.S. Air Force at Travis Air Force Base in Fairfield. He would later earn a teaching credential from UC Davis and teach at elementary schools in Fairfield and Vacaville. He went on to earn a master’s degree from Sacramento State University.

Joseph moved to Davis after marrying the love of his life, Roslyn, on December 21, 1966. For over 30 years Joseph dedicated his life to serving kids in primary and secondary education. Known by many as 'Mr. Sylvester,' he was an administrator of the highest caliber, and his kindness and integrity left a lasting impression on everyone he worked with. Mr. Sylvester served as principal of West Davis Intermediate (known as Willett Elementary today) and North Davis Elementary in the 1970’s. He later served as vice principal and principal of Mills Junior High School in Rancho Cordova in the 1980’s and 1990’s. Mills was recognized as a California Distinguished School in 1986 under his principalship. He retired as an Adult School principal in the Folsom Cordova Unified School District in 2001.

Joseph served as an oratory coach in an after-school program for the students at Mills Junior High School where four of his students were named grand champion of the Optimists International Oratory Contest (Western Division). Joseph also loved coordinating many Sacramento area United Negro College telethons with Roslyn by his side. He truly lived by the UNCF’s motto, “A mind is a terrible thing to waste.”

He is survived by his devoted wife of 58 years, Roslyn Sylvester; son Walter Sylvester (Christy Heaton), and nephew Leroy Heyward (Mavis), who spent high school and college years in the family home; and Leroy’s children, Simone Heyward, Spencer Heyward (Jasneet) and Stephanie Heyward; and many dear family, friends and neighbors.

Funeral services will be held Friday, September 19th at 1:00 pm at St. James Catholic Church, 1275 B St, in Davis. A reception will follow the funeral at the St. James Memorial Center. Interment will be at Monday, September 22, 2025 at 10:00 am at the Sacramento Valley National Cemetery, 5810 Midway Rd, in Dixon. In lieu of flowers and to honor Joseph’s life of service, donations may be made to your favorite charity.