Robert John D'Sylva

Robert John D’Sylva was born in Lahore, India on August 7, 1934, the third son of Edward and Mabel D’Sylva. Growing up, he enjoyed playing sports. He ran track, enjoyed boxing, played table tennis, darts, and badminton. After high school, he attended the British Royal Airforce Academy and became an Airforce pilot. After leaving the Airforce, he served the US government and worked for USAID in Pakistan for sixteen years. 

He was an active member of the Catholic Social Club in Lahore, where he met his wife, Gilly. They were randomly partnered in a dance contest and won first place in the Rock and Roll competition. They were married on January 23, 1960. They had four daughters and one son. In 1972, they moved to the US, and started a new life with their family. They joined St. Rita’s parish and all their children attended St. Rita’s School. 

He worked for St. Clair Appliances for almost 30 years as a kitchen designer. He was a good cook and was famous among family and friends all over the world for chicken charga and his signature Odeon chops. He loved cornbread, cheesecake, hot tea with lots of sugar, but no fruits or vegetables. He was an avid card player and played every weekend with family. He also loved to watch tennis on TV with Gilly. They enjoyed entertaining and had lots of parties. Robert was always the life of the party. He was hardworking, honest to a fault, and was extremely devoted to his family. 

Robert is survived by his loving wife, four daughters, one son, four grandsons, and one great-granddaughter.