Obituary of Sylvester Golding

SYLVESTER GLADSON GOLDING was born April 2, 1928 in Marlie Hill St. Catherine, Jamaica, West Indies to Levi and Jane Johnson Golding. He was the eldest of 13 children. In 1957, he relocated to the United States and was employed as a farm worker and sugar cane worker in Florida. In 1960, he moved to Rochester, New York. He was employed with General Railway Signal, retiring after 25 years of service. A very hard worker, Sylvester also owned a moving business. Sylvester had a number of hobbies, including gardening, caring for his chickens and his rooster, but his favorite pastime was playing Cricket, a game introduced to Jamaica by the British, who captured Jamaica from the Spanish in 1655. In fact, one of the motivations behind his moving to Rochester was discovering Cricket was popular here. He was one of the best players in Jamaica, Canada and the United States during the 1950's. He served as co-captain of the Rochester team alongside Byron Robinson, and took over as captain in 1972. He stated that playing Cricket was important to him because he didn't drink, smoke or gamble. His major activities consisted of playing Cricket and going to church. He loved the Lord, and was a member of First Genesis Baptist Church, although unable to attend over the past few years. He had been a resident at St. Ann's since August, 2015. A music lover, Sylvester enjoyed reggae, gospel, country music, music by Marvin Gaye, and dancing. He also enjoyed watching wrestling. He was particular about his appearance and always wore nice suits. Predeceased by his parents and 4 siblings: Violet Wright, Mavis Wright, Justina Golding and Bernard Golding, Sylvester departed this life January 31, 2016 at age 87. He leaves to cherish his memory: 9 children: Vida of England, Marcella Reid, Renee, Quanda, John, Susan and Sylvester G. Golding, Jr. ("Papa"), Sherman Singleton and Melody Ranger; 24 grandchildren; 6 great grandchildren; siblings: Iris Barnaby, Henry Golding, Hermina "Rose" Jackson, Alice (Clifford) Harrison, Dilbert, Franklin, Hewie and Clifton Golding and a host of nephews, nieces, other relatives and friends