Stephen John Siller

Sydney

It is with broken hearts that our family announce the death of Stephen John Siller of Sydney, NS., loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. Dad passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on April 27, 2017 at Harbourview Hospital (HVH) Veterans Unit following a lengthy struggle with Multiple Sclerosis (MS).

Born in Eger, Hungary on March 9, 1925, he was the son of the late Rose (Kelemen) and Stephen Siller and immigrated to Canada with his family in 1929 through Pier 21 in Halifax. He resided in Sydney most of his life and was married to Helen (Pakai) his wife of 64 years. Dad was a devote member of Saint Theresa's parish where he served as an usher for many years.

Dad was a veteran of World War II and was a life member of Royal Canadian Legion, Br. 138 Ashby, volunteering with the Comfort Fund and the Poppy Campaign.

A graduate of McKay's School of Watch Repair in Moncton, NB, dad was a watch maker by trade. Besides being employed at local jewelry stores, dad also maintained a watch repair shop at home. Later he was employed with Sydney Steel from where he retired after 33 years of service.

As a young man he was diagnosed with MS which limited his abilities yet always maintained a positive attitude and had a very strong work ethic.

Dad was a quiet, gentle man who loved his home and family. He enjoyed large family gatherings when everyone came to visit and enjoy mom's great cooking. He also had a love of music and enjoyed providing his own special style of piano playing.

Dad enjoyed being outside – just walking around the yard or having a cup of tea with mom on the veranda. They were always together. She was the love of his life and the rock on which he leaned. While he was able, they loved to go dancing especially on New Year’s Eve. Every summer they traveled to visit family and friends in Canada and USA. Their favorite spot was Las Vegas.

Besides his parents, dad was pre-deceased by his brother Joseph and sisters-in-law Theresa and Joyce. Also predeceased by many members of mom's family [Briand and Pakai] who were his best friends.

Besides his wife Helen, dad is survived by his five children:

Leonard (Jean) Siller, Sydney, NS

Elaine (Ernie) Dacho, Michigan

Donna (Raymond) Deleskie, Sydney, NS

Lisa Siller (Kerry), Halifax , NS

Jim (Michelle) Siller, Halifax, NS

Grandchildren:

Aaron (Jess), ON; Nathan (Taryn), AB; Justin Siller, Sydney, NS

Crystal (Jesse) Ultz, MI

Natalie (Shaun)Ramsey, MI

Nicole Deleskie (Tyler), Sydney, NS

Kaitlyn (Jeremy) Mesics, Sydney, NS

Edwin Siller, Halifax, NS

Great grandchildren:

Grace and Lillian Ultz, MI

Rowan Lotherington, AB

Also survived by his sister Mary (Bill) Molnar, ON, and brothers Dr. John Siller, MI

and Leslie (Barb) Siller, NB

Also survived by many very special nieces and nephews who he loved very much.

The family wishes to express a very sincere thank you to Dr A. Wawer, the nurses and staff of the HVH, Veteran’s Unit for the excellent, compassionate care they provided to dad and the kindness they extended to his family. You will never be forgotten.

Visitation will be Sunday, April 30 from 2-4 & 7-9 PM at T.W.Curry Parkview Chapel. Funeral mass will be celebrated on Monday, May 1 at 11am at St. Theresa’s Church, Whitney Avenue, Sydney with Fr. Dennis Lamey officiating. Interment in Resurrection Cemetery, Sydney Forks.

In lieu of flowers donations in Stephen’s memory may be made to the Harbourview Hospital Foundation, Veteran’s Unit, MS Society or charity of choice. Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.twcurry.com

Family: Where life begins and love never ends. Rest in peace dad. We love you