Wilton Syckes Obituary

Syckes, Wilton H. Sr.
88, died peacefully in his sleep on March 28. He was adored and respected by all who knew him, most especially his family. Wilt is survived by his wife, Eleanor Bradford, daughter Cornelia (Nini) Syckes Chorpenning, her husband Patrick, Sr., son, Wilton H. Syckes, Jr., his wife, Eunice, six grandchildren, and thirteen great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his son, Brad and his brother, Lu Syckes. Born in Cumberland, Maryland, son of Dr. and Mrs. Silas Lua Syckes, Wilton was a child violin prodigy from the age of 4, and at 16 he was a violin soloist with the National Symphony Orchestra, Washington, D. C. He continued with violin and later
added baritone horn to his repertoire. He enlisted in the US Navy, serving aboard the USS ENTERPRISE (CV6) during WWII. Following the war Wilton was selected to be a member of the famed United States Navy Band, Washington, D.C. and was Concert-Master of the Navy Symphony. After military service Wilton returned to his hometown, Cumberland, married his wife, started his family and opened Syckes Music Store in the 1950s. During this time he also taught music, played first violin in the Cumberland Symphony Orchestra and for a time was symphony conductor. In 1959, he took to the road selling pianos, traveling during the week; home weekends. He revived the National Piano Traveler's Association (NPTA), which remained dear to his heart and was passionate about "the little guy" as he considered himself, out there on the road day after day. NPTA was a passion to Wilt and without him, there wouldn't be an association today. Wilton moved his family to Rockport, Massachusetts in 1967, continued his traveling life and became involved with The Rockport American Legion and the Legion Band, which he conducted in the late 60s into the 70s. This was a very special time in his life. In 1977, he moved to Phoenix , Az., began his wholesale piano business, Syckes Piano Imports, played in bands: Sun City Ramblers, Sun City Brass, and Tommy Thompson band. Wilt was in his 80s when he finally retired. We miss him greatly, but can surely hear him playing "I'll Be Seeing You" in God's Heavenly Band. We'll be seeing you, "Pop". In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to: Advent Episcopal Church, 13150 Spanish Garden Dr., Sun City West, AZ. 85375, or to NPTA Foundation, Dawn DeMars, Treasurer, PO Box 1441, Agoura Hills, Ca. 91376. A celebration of Wilton's life will be held on Thursday, May 1, 2014, at Advent Episcopal Church, 13150 Spanish Garden Dr., Sun City West, AZ., at 10:30 a.m.