Sylvester Litza's Obituary
Sylvester T. Litza, age 88, of West Allis, WI passed away on Saturday, December 29, 2018 at Aurora St. Luke's Medical Center, Milwaukee. Sylvester was born in Bevent, WI on August 19, 1930, the son of the late Conrad and Stella (Buchkowski) Litza. On October 9, 1954, Sylvester married Caroline Dombrowski at St. James Catholic Church in Amherst, WI and they remained together until her untimely death on December 26, 2016.
He is a US Army Veteran who never had bone spurs. After his military service, Sylvester spent the rest of his working life with the Milwaukee County Parks & Highway Department. At one point, he was a minor Milwaukee celebrity as he was assigned the prestigious position of train conductor at the Milwaukee County Zoo. It should be noted that he lived in the same house for almost 60 years. He kept the same telephone number for the same period of time. And ALWAYS bought his socks at Hobo (RIP), milk from Aldi, ground beef from Piggly Wiggly, dish washing soap from Menards (but only when on sale), and pizza (cheese, sausage and mushroom) from Maria's Pizzaria. Sylvester was...consistent in his life. He did not let many things bother him. That said, he really did not like sharing his name with a certain animated, cartoon cat. Even though he was very sick for the last 6 months of his life, he tried to not let cancer steal whatever time he had left. He was a true Wisconsin sports fan. It made him very happy to see the Milwaukee Brewers finally make a deep playoff run. Then the Packers broke his heart (again). Sadly, he was only able to watch a small portion of what looks to be one of the best seasons the Bucks will ever have. If heaven has cable, Sylvester will be watching every game, and smiling at every Antetokounmpo posterizing dunk. He is survived by his son: Thomas (Khwan) Litza, Los Angeles, CA; his granddaughter: Angelina Litza, Los Angeles, CA; a step-grandson: Samapol Chalerjurupat (aka "Boss"), Bangkok, Thailand; his brothers: Wallace Litza, Oak Creek, WI and Donald (Donna) Litza, Hatley, WI and his sisters: Lorraine (Tom) Rudolf, South Milwaukee, WI and Mary Jane (Larry) Mahn, Merrill, WI. Also surviving are many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his loving wife, Caroline, three brothers, Clarence, Raymond & Joseph Litza, his sister, Irene Litza and sisters-in-law, Connie Litza, Betty Litza & Virginia Litza.
A special remembrance memorial will be held at St. Mary of Mount Carmel Catholic Church at 9:30 am on Monday January 14, 2019, with speakers from Sylvester's life sharing their memories and celebrating his life. Visitation and sharing service will run concurrently the memorial. Immediately following, a Full Funeral Mass will be held with Father Dan Hackel, presiding. Burial will follow with full military rites in the St. Mary of Mt. Carmel Catholic Cemetery. Sylvester's family wishes to invite all to the proceedings.
What’s your fondest memory of Sylvester?
What’s a lesson you learned from Sylvester?
Share a story where Sylvester's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Sylvester you’ll never forget.
How did Sylvester make you smile?