Sylvester Reza

Sylvester "Sly" Reza of Denver, Colorado passed away on January 4, 2016, at the age of 59. He was born on July 9, 1956 in Austin, Texas to Gregorio and Maria Guadalupe (Benites) Reza. He graduated from Austin High School where he participated in band, track, and cheer and went on to serve in the Air Force until 1979. He was a member of the Drum and Bugle Corps at Lackland AFB and was most fond of the time he spent stationed in Italy and at Lowry AFB, in Aurora. Upon completion of his service he attended Austin Community College and began working for Southwestern Bell (aka: AT&T/Lucent Technologies/Avaya). In the early 80's, his career provided him with the opportunity to relocate to Denver.
After his retirement from Avaya in 2001, his love for dogs led him to become a groomer and stylist. He reserved his best work for his own fur-children, Schuster, Simon and Tino, but happily shared his artistry and talent with countless others. He truly enjoyed his job, his clients, and being part of the grooming community.

Sylvester was a dedicated member of the Denver Gay Men's Chorus, where he performed in 100+ concerts and gained many lifelong friends, over the course of several decades. He always spoke very highly of his chorus brothers and was blessed to have many of them by his side, as he made his peaceful departure from this earth.

Sylvester will be remembered for his love of dogs, music, and Broncos football; his infectious smile, warm hugs, kind heart, generous spirit, quick-witted sarcasm and sense of humor.

He was preceded in death by his father, Gregorio Reza; mother, Maria Guadalupe Fernandez; brother, Joseph Reza; sister, Sylvia Meiron; and nephew, Matthew Reza. He is survived by two brothers, Michael Reza and Richard Reza (Jodie); two sisters, Anna Rodriguez (Joel) and Yolanda Reza; five nieces, three nephews, one great-niece and numerous friends.

Please join us for a Celebration of Life which will take place on Saturday, February 13, 2016 from 1-4 PM, at the Oriental Theater, 4335 West 44th Avenue in Denver. If you feel so inclined, please come prepared to share a memory, music, or a few words in celebration of Sylvester's life. The event will be catered by his favorite Mexican food restaurant, Tacos Jalisco and there will be a cash bar available, as well.

The graveside service will take place on Monday, February 15, 2016 from 9-9:30 AM, at Fort Logan National Cemetery, Staging Area A, 3698 South Sheridan Boulevard in Denver.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Denver Dumb Friends League http://support.ddfl.org/site/TR?pg=fund&fr_id=1160&pxfid=13989

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