Rickey L. Sylvester

Rickey L. Sylvester, 76, of New Smyrna Beach, FL; former resident of Indianapolis, IN, passed away unexpectantly, on January 13, 2025. 

Rickey was born on December 24, 1948, to the late Clarence J. Sylvester and Lois M. (French) Sylvester in Indianapolis, IN where he grew up and attended George Washington High School. 

Rickey graduated from George Washington High School in 1967 where he played on the 66/67’ State Championship Football Team. Anyone that knows Rickey knows how proud he was to be a Continental and a westsider to the core!!

On July 12, 2011, Rickey married Glenna J. Panarisi in Sevierville, TN.  He and Glenna lived in Indianapolis, IN and spent the last 10 years living in New Smyrna Beach, FL. 

Rickey was a US Postal Service Mail Carrier for 41 years in Indianapolis until his retirement in 2011.  After his retirement, he loved playing golf and enjoying Florida weather.  Rickey was very proud of his family and adored watching his grandchildren and great-grandchildren play sports on every level. 

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Marilyn Jo Coan.

Surviving are three sons, Rickey Sylvester (wife Brenda) of Indianapolis, IN; Scott Sylvester (wife Shannon) of Indianapolis, IN and Brady Sylvester (wife Allison) of Indianapolis, IN; three stepdaughters, Bridget Russo (husband Frank) of Danville, IN; Gina Panarisi of Marietta, GA and Andrea Selivan (husband Mark) of Happy Valley, PA.  Rickey is also survived by one sister, Dorothy Cavett (late husband Phil) of Plainfield, IN and one brother, Gary Sylvester of Indianapolis, IN; a very close nephew, Jerry Lyons (wife Debby) as well as five grandchildren; Rickey Sylvester, Braydon Sylvester, Haley Sylvester, Luke Sylvester and Cecelia Sylvester and four great-grandchildren Kinsley, Kayson, Kali and Kooper; four nieces, four nephews, four step-granddaughters and two step-grandsons.

A celebration of life is scheduled for Saturday, February 22, 2025 beginning at 2pm at the American Legion Post 500, 1926 Georgetown Rd, Speedway, IN 46224.  

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Rickey’s honor to George Washington High School Athletics. Donations can be made directly to the school at GWHS Athletic Dept, 2215 W Washington St, Indianapolis, IN 46222.  A collection box will be available during the celebration of life for those who would like to donate at that time.  If you prefer to donate online, you can go to https://gofund.me/b7f6c259 and all donations will be sent by the family directly to GWHS Athletics.

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