Robert W. Sylvia, affectionately known as Pesky or Uncle Bob, of East Falmouth, died on Feb. 17 at Falmouth Hospital after a brief illness. He was 86.

He was the beloved husband of 60 years to Ann Pearl (Andrews) Sylvia. Born in Oak Bluffs to the late Albert E. and Celia (Swartz) Sylvia Sr., he was a 1947 graduate of Oak Bluffs High School and retired in 1986 as a supervisor from AT&T after 31 years of employment.

Bob Sylvia spent a lifetime in service to his church, community and country. He served in the U.S. Army and among other decorations, received the Purple Heart from wounds received while serving in the 38th Infantry Regiment during the Korean War. His charitable work included 40 years of service as both a volunteer and chapter president to the Telephone Pioneers of America, one of the world’s largest corporate volunteer organizations. He served as the Parent Teacher Association president for East Falmouth Elementary School from 1964 to 1966, led building fundraising efforts for St. Anthony’s Church, and most recently installed Lifeline emergency response and communications services hardware for the disabled and elderly while also volunteering at the Falmouth Hospital visitor and reception desk for 12 years with his wife Pearl.

Known and admired as Uncle Bob to hundreds of scouts in Falmouth and the Cape Cod & Islands Council, Bob served 50 years in various positions of leadership including cub master, scout master, council commissioner, camp director, and eagle board member. In recognition for his dedication and commitment to the scouting program, Bob’s awards included the Silver Beaver, Oscar, District Award of Merit, Bronze Pelican, and the St. George Emblem. Under Uncle Bob’s leadership, many Troop 42 scouts obtained the coveted rank of Eagle.

In addition to his wife, Ann Pearl of East Falmouth, he leaves behind his son Steven Robert and wife Kathleen of East Falmouth, son Thomas Michael and wife Lisa of Fredericksburg, Va., daughter Patricia Ann Cosgrove of East Falmouth, son Douglas Francis of Pocasset, and daughter Catherine Ellen Smith and husband Timothy of East Falmouth; his sister Eileen White of Edgartown; his 11 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sisters, Dorothy Riley and Betty Rose, and brother Albert Sylvia, and son in law Joseph Cosgrove.

Visiting hours will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 22, at the Chapman Cole & Gleason Funeral Home, 475 Main street, Falmouth. A funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 23, at St. Anthony’s Church, 167 East Falmouth Hwy, East Falmouth. Burial will follow in the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne.

For online guestbook, obituary and directions, visit ccgfuneralhome.com.

Memorial donations may be made to St. Anthony’s Church, East Falmouth, MA 02536 or to the Cape & Islands Boy Scouts of America, 247 Willow street, Yarmouthport, MA 02675.