Sylvester J. "Sy" Zylla

Mass of Christian Burial celebrating the life of Sylvester J. “Sy” Zylla, 89, formerly of St. Cloud will be at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, November 22, 2016 at St. Mary’s Cathedral Upper Church in St. Cloud. Sy passed away at his home on Thursday, November 17, 2016. Reverend Timothy Gapinski and Reverend Douglas Liebsch will con-celebrate. Burial with military honors will be in Assumption Cemetery, St. Cloud.
Visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday at the church with the St. Cloud Fourth Degree, Father Pierz Assembly #530 standing honor guard.
Arrangements are with Daniel Funeral Home, St. Cloud.
Sy was born on December 31, 1926 in St. Cloud, Minnesota to Peter and Theodosia (Gapinski) Zylla. He attended St. John Cantius Grade School and Cathedral High School, graduating in 1945. After high school Sy was drafted into the United States Army, serving during WWII., where he had top secret clearance working with the Manhatten Project. Sy was honorably discharged in December 1946 and joined the Air Force in January 1947 where he served 22 + years in active and reserve duty, reaching the rank of Master Sergeant. Sy graduated from St. Cloud State University with an Accounting Degree while working for the Post Office. He was employed by the United States Postal Service for many years and later for the IRS. He retired from the IRS as a Group Audit Supervisor. Sy was a member of the Granite Flying Club, past president of the St. Cloud Eagles Aerie #622, St. Cloud Knights of Columbus Council #961, St. Cloud Fourth Degree, Father Pierz Assembly Knights of Columbus Council#530, St. Mary’s Cathedral and St. Bonaventure Parishes.
Sy was certified to fly single engine both air and sea planes. He enjoyed taking friends up in the airplane. He also enjoyed hunting and spending time at his cabin with family and friends.
Sy is survived by his many nieces, nephews and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Peter and Theodosia Zylla; brothers, Alexander, Daniel, Peter and Reverend Paul Zylla; sisters, Helen Kurr, Mary Zylla and Virginia Zylla.
Mass offerings are preferred.