THROOP - Sylvester R. Germano Jr., 54, of Beech Tree Road, Throop, passed away unexpectedly Monday, Jan. 23, 2012, at his home. He was born in Auburn, the son of Sylvester R. Germano Sr. and the late Catherine Gans Germano and had been a life resident. 'Sy,' as he was affectionately known by his family and friends, was a communicant of St. Francis of Assisi Church. He had been employed for the past seven years at Rite Aid as a manager. He loved to fish in his spare time, especially ice fishing. He was also a very talented painter and guitar player. Through his passion of playing the guitar, he became an accomplished musician having played in several local bands. Sy also attended the famed Berklee College of Music, where his love of music grew deeper. Sy cherished the time spent with his wife and children and will be sadly missed by all who were fortunate enough to get to know this hard-working, special man. He is survived by his loving wife of 22 years, Kelley McKay Germano; three children: sons, Michael and John Germano, and daughter, Natalie Germano; his father, Sylvester 'Sy' R. Germano Sr., all of Auburn; a sister, Donna (Leslie) Westerman, of Baldwinsville; two brothers, David (Patricia) Germano, of Skaneateles, and James Germano, of Boston; his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Judy and Frank McKay, of Auburn; sister-in-law, Amy (Jake) Walter, of Nashville; three brothers-in-law, Frank (Robin) McKay, of Auburn, Michael (Amy) McKay and Matthew McKay; an uncle and aunt, Frederick and Matilda Germano, and aunt, Mary Picciano; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Sy was predeceased by his mother, Catherine Germano. Friends and relatives are invited to join the family at 11 a.m. Saturday, in St. Francis Church for Sylvester's Mass of Christian burial. Interment will be in St. Joseph's Cemetery. Calling hours are from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, at Pettigrass Funeral Home, 196 Genesee St., Auburn. Contributions may be made in Sylvester's memory to his children's education fund, c/o Michael McKay, 1947 Whitehead Lane, Auburn, NY 13021. To send a message to the family, sign our guest book at www.auburnpub.com and click on obituaries.