On May 23, 2017 occurred the death of The Reverend Robert J. Sykes, Sr.
A Funeral Service will be held at Trinity Church, Ambler 708 S. Bethlehem Pike Ambler, PA 19002 on Saturday, June 17, 2017 at 10:00 a.m.
The Reverend Robert J. Sykes, Sr., 85 of Lansdale, PA died on May 23, 2017. He was the loving husband of Mary H. (Hoehn) Sykes. Father Sykes was born in Philadelphia, PA on September 11, 1931 to the late Joseph and Reba (Gray) Sykes.
Reverend Sykes was ordained a deacon on April 27, 1957 and a priest on November 1, 1957 by the Rt. Rev. Alfred L. Banyard. He attended Temple University where he received a BS in 1954 and a STB in 1957 where he graduated Philadelphia Divinity School. He received a Masters degree in Gerontology from University of Pennsylvania in 1980. He also received a certification in 1983 from Montgomery County Community College as well as an Associates degree in 1984.
Father Sykes was Curate of Christ Church in Woodbury, in Woodbury, New Jersey from 1957-1960; Vicar of The Church of the Good Shepherd in Berlin, N.J. from 1960-1969; Rector of Holy Nativity, Rockledge of Pennsylvania from 1969-1979 before becoming a member and priest at Trinity Episcopal Church, Ambler until his retirement in 1991.
Reverend Sykes was a volunteer APPRISE counselor at the PEAK Center in Lansdale, and an advocate advisor on health insurance and income taxes for senior citizens. He was also a Registered Nurse.
In his many years of service to the community, Father Sykes received numerous awards and commendations including the 1999 Pennsylvania House of Representatives Citation for continuous service to Medicare beneficiaries, the 2000 PA Attorney General's Task Force Award for the protection of older adults, the AARP Pennsylvania Community Volunteer Award, and the 2012 Senior Corps of PA Legacy Award. In 2015, he was honored with The President's Lifetime Achievement Award for those who contribute more than 4,000 hours of service in their lifetime.
Along with his wife Mary, Reverend Sykes is survived by his children Thomas Sykes (Diane), John Sykes (Rhonda), Stephen Sykes (Kim), Katherine McDowell, and daughter-in-law Marie Sykes, 13 grandchildren, and 2 great-grandchildren.
Reverend Sykes was pre-deceased by his siblings and his son Robert Sykes, Jr.
Relatives and friends are invited to his Funeral Service on Saturday, June 17, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. at Trinity Episcopal Church, 708 S. Bethlehem Pike, Ambler, PA 19002. A visitation will be held from 9:00 - 10:00 a.m. at the church. Interment will be private at Forest Hills Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Reverend Syke's name can be made to Greater Harleysville and North Penn Senior Services, 606 E. Main Street, Lansdale, PA 19446 or Trinity Episcopal Church, 708 S. Bethlehem Pike, Ambler, PA 19002.
Rest eternal grant to him, and let light perpetual shine upon him.
