Obituary of Sylvester Walter Warnowicz

Sylvester W. Warnowicz, 84, of Lebanon Township, New Jersey, passed away peacefully at his home on August 8, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Born and raised in South Amboy, New Jersey, Sylvester graduated from St. Mary’s High School in 1959. On May 25, 1963, he married the love of his life, Joanne, with whom he shared 62 wonderful years. Together, they raised their three cherished daughters, Kara, Holly, and Heather.

A devoted husband, father, and grandfather, Sylvester was an electrician by trade. He worked for many years as a lineman for JCP&L and later as an electrical maintenance technician for Johnson & Johnson in Somerville, New Jersey. After his retirement, he enjoyed serving his community as a school bus driver in Lebanon Township, ensuring countless children arrived at school safely.

Sylvester’s life was one of service and dedication. In his younger years, he volunteered with the South Amboy Fire Department and First Aid Squad, and after moving to Lebanon Township, continued to volunteer with the Lebanon Township Fire Department for many years. A man with a passion for collecting —whether coins, clocks, stamps or an assortment of other things —Sylvester always seemed to have exactly what you needed, and often in multiples. He loved to tinker in his basement workshop always with his hands doing something. He grew up loving the outdoors camping with the boy scouts, enjoyed time with friends deep-sea fishing, and unwinding at LBI watching boats go by on the bay. As a grandfather, he was devoted to engaging in the activities that enveloped the grandchildrens lives. Sylvester also had a deep appreciation for old country music, with the basement record player putting out the works of Johnny Cash, Hank Williams, and Willie Nelson. He loved traveling to Texas and Long Beach Island, and over the years was a devoted dog owner to many beloved companions: Pretzel, Heidi, Bandit, Chelsea, Gabby, Willow, Lily, and Bowie.

Sylvester is survived by his beloved wife, Joanne Warnowicz; his daughters Kara Martin and her husband Bill, Holly Warnowicz, and Heather Makarczyk and her husband John; his brother Bernard Warnowicz; his sister Jean Rushing; and his grandchildren Meagan, Dani, and Caley, as well as many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents Stanley Bosko and Madeline Warnowicz, and his sister Clare Cannon.

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. and again from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Martin Funeral Home, 1761 Route 31, Clinton, NJ 08809. A funeral service will be held on Thursday, August 14, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at the Church of the Holy Spirit, 3 Haytown Road, Lebanon, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Sylvester may be made to the Lebanon Township Fire Department, 532 West Hill Road, Glen Gardner, NJ 08826.