John Vance Sylvester III February 24, 2010 John Vance Sylvester III, of Skaneateles, NY, died February 24, 2010, surrounded by his family. He was born in Plymouth Meeting, PA, on January 22, 1922. He lived a life of challenge, hard work and achievement. He began working at ALCO in 1953 and rose to become president of Alco Power Inc. from 1968 to 1980. He also volunteered his experience with charitable organizations and industry associations. He served as the 1974 chairman of the Auburn United Fund and director for the Auburn Chamber of Commerce. After retirement he continued working as a management consultant for ALCO and other industrial companies. Sylvester was a graduate of Pennsylvania State University, a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Skaneateles, NY, and the Skaneateles Country Club. He was an accomplished athlete, attending college on a baseball scholarship and winning numerous member-guest golf tournaments. He was predeceased by his son, John V. IV (Gina Maybury). He is survived by his wife, the former Polly C. Coveney of Fredericton, NB, Canada; two children, Gregg C. (Lisa) of Wilmington, DE, and Suzanne S. (David) Pittard of Skaneateles, NY. He is also survived by five grandsons, two granddaughters, three step-grandchildren, a brother, a sister, five nephews and two nieces. Funeral services will be private. Friends may greet the family at the Sherwood Inn in Skaneateles from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. Monday. Contributions: SAVES Ambulance or the First Presbyterian Church in Skaneateles. Please sign the guestbook at syracuse.com/obits