Obituary of Sydney Y. Chalmers
Sydney Yuille Chalmers, age 87, passed away peacefully on Saturday August 26, 2023 surrounded by his family. Sydney, known lovingly as “Pops” by his family, was born January 7th,1936 to John and Grace Chalmers.
Syd was the middle child of three, including his late brother Jack and surviving sister Mary. He was born in Glasgow, Scotland, where he spent his childhood. Sydney, along with his siblings and parents, emigrated to the United States in the early 1950’s and has been a long time resident of New Jersey ever since arriving in the United States. He graduated from Butler, NJ High School in 1953, and attended Fairleigh Dickinson University. A proud veteran, Syd was enlisted in the US Army, based out of Fort Dix, New Jersey and was stationed in Germany.
Syd married Catherine “Cookie” Zotynia in June 1960. Syd not only gained an adoring wife and longtime sidekick, but a large extended family of Cookie’s 10 brothers and sisters. They had three children, daughters Margaret Grace and Mary Catherine, and a son Sydney John. Loving husband and father, Syd cared for his wife until her passing in 2020.
A quiet man, Syd’s favorite pastime was enjoying a drink, reminiscing about his childhood in Scotland, countless soccer games, and laughs with friends and family. During his retirement, he became a book a day reader who loved mystery and crime novels. Syd was always available to lend a hand to many a DIY project on his children’s homes. Designed and crafted furniture, which he lovingly bestowed upon Cookie and his children. Syd loved to soak up the sun while tending to his garden. Syd was an aficionado of crossword puzzles, card games, and loved to play the lottery. Syd had a lifelong love of animals, dating back to childhood on the family farm, in the Scottish Highlands during World War II. His last request was that his beloved dog and companion, Charlie, predeceased him in 2014, be buried alongside him.
A very proud Scotsman and patriotic American, Syd was especially proud of his and his family’s military service, including Army (Self and son Syd), Marine Corps (Daughter in law Stacey, Grandsons Jeremy, Brandon, and Stone), and Navy (Grandson Myles). He was a proud member of the Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers Union since 1980.
Syd, will be remembered, for his kind heart, gentle spirit, warmth, and his generosity. He will be greatly missed by his children Margaret (Stephen), Mary (Doug), Syd (Stacey) and his many Grandchildren Mary Catherine (Jeremy), Michael (Melissa), Myles, Jade, Brandon (Sage), Stone (Cristina), Hanna and his great grandchildren Leah, Mason and Jake.
Sydney will be buried alongside Cookie at Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Randolph NJ.
Much appreciation to the dedicated and kindhearted staff at Morristown Medical Center on the Kahn and Palliative Care Units. In lieu of flowers, the family would like donations to go to: The American Cancer Society (www.cancer.org), the Alzheimer's Foundation (www.alznj.org), and support of local unions.