Sylberth Alexander Rose, affectionately known as “Uncle Cee” and “Grandpa Rose”, passed away peacefully at the age of 91 in his home in Hazel Crest, IL on July 22, 2024. He died of natural causes.

Sylberth was born on October 10, 1932 in the Richmond District of Lucea, Hanover, Jamaica to Lascelles Rose and Imogene Swearing . He had 13 brothers and sisters and was the second oldest on his father’s side, and his mother’s first born. Sylberth attended the Saint Parish Primary school and graduated from Rusea High School. At the age of 21, he became a registered farmer with the Jamaica Agricultural Society and worked on farms in Florida in the United States. There he spent three years cutting sugar cane and picking apples. He returned home at the age of 24 and continued farming for a time, raising chickens and planting sugar cane. In 1956, he became a police officer in the Jamaica Constabulary Force where he served until his retirement in 1970 at the rank of Corporal.

Sylberth met his wife, and love of his life Esse in 1957. They were married on July 23, 1958 and had two sons, Clement and Orville. He left Jamaica in 1970 and emigrated to the United States with his family. While in the U.S.A., Sylberth worked at Weiss Memorial Hospital in Housekeeping Services as an assistant evening supervisor from 1970-1979. Sylberth earned several certifications to further his skills and he started his own business as an independent general contractor in commercial and residential cleaning and maintenance and repairs and restoration. He retired in 2016. He and his wife built their permanent home in Hazel Crest, IL in 1976 where he resided until his passing.

Sylberth is preceded in death by his wife Esse (Ellis), siblings: Albertha (William), Thelma, Alka, Emanuel (Yvette), Earl (Irma), Kingsley, George, Noel (Carol), and daughter-in-law Sonya.

He is survived by his sons Clement (Laura) and Orville (Sonya); seven grandchildren: Kari, Ciémone, Camille (Edmund), and Jénel (children of Clement), Gerald (Kristina), Whitney, and Joel (Shalanda) (children of Orville), as well as 12 great-grandchildren, and his remaining siblings Hetty, Sheila (Hector), Mervis (Wally), Alton, and Dudley. He will also be remembered by numerous relatives and friends including nieces, nephews, cousins, and chosen and adopted family.

Visitation is on Thursday, August 22, 2024 at 6-8pm at Leak and Sons Funeral Home, 18400 S. Pulaski Road, Country Club Hills, IL. Sylberth’s homegoing service will be held on Friday, August 23, 2024 at the same location. Viewing begins at 10am and memorial service begins at 10:30am. A Repast Brunch/Lunch will follow the memorial service at Irwin Community Center, 18120 Highland Ave, Homewood, IL 60430.

Please consider making a donation to the Pederson-McCormick Boys and Girl Club in honor of Sylberth Rose: https://bgcc.org/pedersen-mccormick-club/