Damon Albert Sykes

Damon Albert Sykes, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, went home to be with the Lord, December 30, 2015 after a brief illness.  Damon was born December 28, 1937, in Elmira, NY to Arthur and Rosemond David Sykes, who predeceased him.  He was also predeceased by his sister, Elizabeth Sykes Lease.  He is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Angela Fiore Sykes; his daughter and son-in-law, Michele and Shawn Resue of Endicott, NY; his son, Damon Sykes of Buffalo, NY; grandsons and their wives, Archie and Stephanie Resue and great-grandson, Jack, of Endicott, NY; and Brett and Heather Resue and great-grandson, Jameson, of Norfolk VA; granddaughter, Katherine Sykes of Buffalo, NY; numerous dear cousins, nieces, nephews, sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law.

A graduate of Mansfield University and Elmira College, Damon was an educator and coach for 30 years.  His early teaching and coaching career began at Elkland High School, and continued for over 26 years at Addison Central High School, where he taught American History and Social Studies.  A student of history and politics himself, Damon served in local government on the Elkland Borough Council for many years, including a term as Borough Council President.  After retiring from teaching, Damon and Angela traveled extensively, and he was able to stand on the D-Day beaches in Normandy, followed Patton’s path through Sicily and Italy, reflected at the USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor, and rode a camel in the desert while gazing at the Egyptian Pyramids; however, he always felt there was no place as beautiful as the Twin Tiers he called home.  Damon honorably served in the United States Navy, and was a member of the American Legion.

Damon always wanted to know what his children and grandchildren were doing, and enjoyed spending time with his family.  His early years in Elmira were full of fond memories of running around with his numerous cousins and trying to hide from his grandmothers all of the trouble they all got into.  Damon loved watching college football, especially his beloved Notre Dame Fighting Irish and Navy, and he could tell you the stats on any team on any given Saturday.  He also enjoyed watching the New York Yankees.

A Funeral Mass will be offered at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Wellsboro, at 10:00 AM Saturday, January 2, 2016, with burial at Woodlawn Cemetery in Elmira at the convenience of the family.  In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution to Samaritan House, 3 Morgan Terrace, Wellsboro, PA 16901 or to the charity of one’s choice.  A special thank you to the hospice unit at The Green Home for their care and compassion of  Damon in his last days. Local arrangements by Tussey-Mosher Funeral Home, Ltd. 139 Main St. Wellsboro.  To share your fondest memories and sign the guest book, visit www.tusseymosher.com.