Robert Constant Sylvain

Robert Constant Sylvain, affectionately known as "Bob," passed away on May 25, 2025. He was born in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, in 1946 to Constant and Jane Sylvain. Raised in the hillside town of Pétion-Ville as the middle child of five, he spent his boyhood flying kites, playing soccer, and taking apart electronics to invent his own creations—most memorably a homemade radio he would listen to while perched in a mango tree. Exceptionally bright, Bob attended Petit Séminaire Collège Saint-Martial, where he studied advanced mathematics alongside English, Spanish, Greek, and Italian. At 18 years old, he immigrated to the United States with only $20 in his pocket and a deal with the US government: maintain high grades or be drafted to fight in Vietnam. He always said he would have been proud to serve his country. His unwavering belief in freedom, democracy, and self-determination stayed with him throughout his life. He was endlessly proud to call himself an American and deeply believed in this country's founding ideals—freedom, justice, and equality. While adjusting to life in America, Bob juggled multiple jobs and attended City College of New York, where he studied electrical engineering. He marched in protests for peace, believing fiercely in a just, equitable, safe society. At work, he met the love of his life, Patty Kelly. The two eloped to Haiti in 1978, leading to 46 years of a deep, joyful marriage. Bob built a distinguished career as an engineer, designing helicopter simulators and military defense infrastructure, before pivoting later in life to become a cybersecurity engineer, protecting government systems from digital threats. Together, Bob and Patty raised their children in Tampa, Orlando, Port St. Lucie, and West Palm Beach, Florida. Bob was a hands-on father, a PTA volunteer, and a devoted soccer coach. He was known for his booming laugh, impromptu singing, quick wit, and his unmistakable, megawatt smile. A true gentleman, he never tolerated unkindness—especially toward women—and had no patience for pretension. In retirement, Bob found joy in the simple pleasures: RV camping trips, kayaking, and live jazz concerts with Patty. He was a passionate tinkerer who always maintained a "laboratory" at home—first for testing computer networks, then for crafting ammunition, and later for charting ballistics for long-range shooting. Though an avid marksman, Bob refused to join the NRA and never used targets shaped like people, a quiet testament to his deeply gentle spirit. Bob was adored by his children, his grandchildren, and wife, who he never stopped praising. He taught them to value independence, pursue education fiercely, go after every opportunity, and believe in themselves. He believed deeply in family values and left a legacy of integrity, humility, and love. He leaves behind his wife and great love, Patty Sylvain, and his five children: Brigitte (Leon) McMillan, Ginger (Richard) Laroche , Kerry Sylvain, Bradley (Rebekah) Sylvain, and Christine Sylvain (Brian Schmitt). He also leaves behind a cherished legacy in his grandchildren, who called him PopPop: Cameron, Soleil, Dominique, Ebba-Simone, Savannah, Alexis, Dorian, Jaxon, Brielle, Jolie, and Angelique. He is predeceased by his parents (Constant and Jane Sylvain), his brother Hervey (Ghislaine) Sylvain, and his beloved nephew Alain Sylvain. He is survived by his siblings Michele Bonny, Gladys Sylvain, and Alfred (Michelle) Sylvain, and many nieces and nephews. Bob Sylvain was a man of depth—deeply kind, fiercely intelligent, and joyfully unique. His life was a quiet revolution, one of love, innovation, and conviction. He will be missed beyond measure. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Path to College, a nonprofit founded by his youngest daughter, Christine. Supporting the dreams of students like Bob once was brought him immense pride and joy. http://www.pathtocollege.org/donate A memorial celebration of his life will be held on June 19th at Palms West Funeral Home, 110 Business Park Way, Royal Palm Beach, FL 33411, from 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM. Mass will take place at Our Lady Queen of the Apostles, 100 Crestwood Blvd S, Royal Palm Beach, FL 33411, on June 20th at 11:30 AM, followed by burial at Our Lady of Peace Cemetery, 10941 Southern Blvd, Royal Palm Beach, FL 33411, at 1:00 PM. "The greatness of a man is not in how much wealth he acquires, but in his integrity and his ability to affect those around him positively."