WILLIAMSBURG - Michael Stephen Sysko, 62, of 53 South St., passed away suddenly Thursday, March 30, 2017, at his home. He was born Oct. 10, 1954, in Northampton. He was the son of the late Henry L. Sysko and Margarete Wilke, born in Berlin, Germany, now living in Grayslake, Illinois.
Michael is survived by his loving wife of 30 years Wendy E. Emerson-Sysko formerly of Williamsburg; and their children Justin, 28, and Natasha, 26; his two sisters, Pat Cherwa and her husband Ed of Grayslake, Illinois, and their three sons, our nephews, Chris, Jason and his partner Jenny and their two children, Hailey and Kyler, Mike and his wife Kristen and their three children, Maddigan, Mason and Maia, now living in South Korea; his twin sister Rita Waugh and her husband David and their three children, our nieces and nephews, Jimbob, John and Jakie of Syracuse, New York; and his dear sister-in-law Amanda G. Emerson of Williamsburg, and her partner Rick; and many cousins. Michael grew up at 8 Pine St., Florence. Attending local schools, JFK Middle School and graduating from Smith Vocational, after which he joined the U.S. army and served six years during the Vietnam era. Michael took special infantry and special arms training during that time, he also took some classes at the University of Maryland. He worked as a machine adjuster at Tubed Products in Easthampton for 27 years as well as for Duval logging, Roberts Lumber and his own business Hilltown Firewood. He marched to the beat of his own drum. He worked hard to support his family, loved to joke and play pranks on is loves ones. Truly a loving man, but very stubborn. Michael was always ready to help anyone in need, no matter the hour or financial means. He was proud of his garden and loved to share the food that he grew. He loved to be surrounded by nature fishing, hiking, camping always watching for wild life, picking and eating wild mushrooms and sharing that with his children, keeping an eye out each year for the lady slippers, and wild roses in the blueberry lot. The family would like to thank all the emergency responders from Chesterfield fire and rescue especially Drew Morris/Highland Ambulance, the Chesterfield Police for a quick and kind response and to the Cooley Dickinson Hospital. Thanks to the Williamsburg Funeral Home for making the arrangements. There were no calling hours at this time and memorial will be held during strawberry season which will be posted beforehand in the paper for the day and time. - See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/gazettenet/obituary.aspx?page=lifestory&pid=185016294#sthash.yj7FO8rR.dpuf