Garret S. Sytsma, 60, of Northvale, passed away Thursday, November, 17, 2016 surrounded by his loving family. Beloved husband of Nancy. Devoted father of Garret Thomas of West Point, NY and Kailyn of Northvale. Loving son of Sidney and his wife Vicky of Hawthorne. Cherished brother of Steven and wife Pam of Hawthorne, NJ, Julia Garcia and husband Ric of Hyattesville, MD and Robert of Hawthorne. Predeceased by his mother, Julia and brother, Thomas. Dearest brother-in-law of Patricia Barton and husband Albert of Washingtonville, NY, Mary Beth Daniels and husband Marc of Martha’s Vineyard, MA and Cynthia Cahn and husband Michael of Hopatcong. Also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.
Garry was a truck driver for Wilenta Carting in Secaucus. He spent most of his time on a field or court, coaching his son and daughter in football, baseball and basketball. He continued to coach in the Northern Valley Eagles Football program and the St. Anthony’s Friars Basketball program for many years. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Tuesday 11 AM at St. Anthony’s RC Church, Northvale. Visiting hours are Monday 5-9 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Ave, Northvale (201-767-3050).
In lieu of flowers, a GoFundMe account has been established, The Garret Sytsma Memorial Education Fund, to support Kailyn’s college education.
http://www.gofundme.com/garry-sytsma-memorial-fund
www.pizzifuneralhome.com
Just a simple story of the laughs Gary brought. We were just boys me and Mike and Gary. But Gary was the oldest at 17, 15 and 14 respectively. But Gary was a big boy standing appropriately 6’4″ or so it seemed to this 5′ 4″ teen. We were at Garret mountain, back in those days there were horse stables and Mike had a horse named Chico. Chico was 18.2 hands in horse measurements. Well when Gary sat upon Chico’s back it was a hilarious sight to see. Chico decided he didn’t want this big kid on his back so he took off with Gary in tow. Needless to say he ran Gary into a tree and off flew this huge teenager. Gary laid on the ground screaming in pain from his broken leg as me and Mike argued about who was going to drive Gary’s car to the hospital (Mike won). I have told this story hundreds of times throughout my life and it has always given me a laugh and a huge smile remembering my friend Gary. God bless you soldier your battle has come to and end. It is your turn to look down and smile and laugh. My condolences to your family and all your friends who will miss you dearly.