Sydney R. Storr, Sr. transitioned from his earthly home to his eternal home in glory on Thursday, November 09th 2023 at Mary Washington Hospital in Fredericksburg, Virginia, surrounded by his wife and children. He was born in Nassau, Bahamas on September 17th, 1939, the 5th of 6 children born to his parents Wilmore Storr and Marion Minus Storr. He began his early educational journey in Nassau, Bahamas and completed high school in Miami, Florida at Carver High School in 1957.
While attending high school he met the love of his life, Geannette (Janet) Daniels. Sydney relocated to New York City, and later, Janet also relocated there and the two joined in Holy Matrimony on June 22, 1963. Sydney's love for music spurred his interest in mastering the alto saxophone and flute and he played with several musical ensembles in a variety of venues. He later enlisted in the US Army where he served in the Army Band and as a reservist for several years. Committed to the pursuit of higher education, Sydney diligently continued to work during the day while attending school at night at Bronx Community College and later Baruch College, completing a degree in Accounting.
He worked in public health for a season as a Field Investigator and upon completing his formal college education, he became a skilled bookkeeper and was offered employment at Lucas and Tucker Accounting firm. Sydney's accounting and financial management acumen were quickly identified, and additional career opportunities emerged. Sydney was employed with the Urban League, and later, the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) where he demonstrated his skill in fiduciary management, becoming Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the organization. He retired after 26 years of service in 2002. Having outlived all the male members of his family, and as an avid believer in fitness and health, Sydney would run for 2 hours on the treadmill, often completing a distance of 5 miles, perform 100 push-ups and engage in isometric exercises daily.
Sydney was a thoughtful, wise and inspiring person. He found joy in supporting the educational pursuits of others and motivating others to achieve. His passion for helping others was evident in his ongoing support of organizations that provide material and financial resources to help people improve their life circumstances for the better. He ALWAYS encouraged his family to seek God first, to further their education and to pursue excellence in whatever discipline they chose. He LOVED his family and LOVED family gatherings. There was NEVER a family gathering where he did not pause, and share some of his famous jokes, his many stories and his words of wisdom.
Sydney loved the Lord, and that love was displayed in everything that he did. He fully understood, that all he had and all he accomplished was because of the "Grace of God"! His passion for using his gifts and talents to serve the Lord were evident in his work as Chairman of the Trustee Ministry at East End Baptist Church in Brooklyn ,NY, and Mt Calvary Baptist Church, Fairfax , Virginia and he also served in the Diaconate Ministry, taught Sunday School, Bible Study, and led financial education seminars. Sydney's love for God's word lead him to become an active participant in the International Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) and he often spoke of the lessons learned and the strong friendships that he developed through the group. Sydney also continued to minister and exercise his musical gifts, playing his saxophone at community events, long term care facilities and church until his passing.
Sydney was preceded in death by his father- Willmore Storr; his mother-Marion Storr, two sisters, Alma Storr & Grace Frank; two brothers, Charles Storr and Kenneth Storr, and a great-granddaughter, Jacqueline Amore Mathis.
He leaves to mourn his loving wife of 60 years, Janet Storr; One sister Florentine McPhee; Two daughters Scevia Hunt (Henry), Sheila Mathis (Derrick), and one son Sydney R. Storr Jr. (Joi). 10 grandchildren Janika Wright (Damian), Alena Crawley (Desmond), Tyrone Hunt, Jelani Ellis , Derrick Mathis Jr. (Victoria), Joshua Ellis, Nycholas Hunt, Sennaya Ferreira (Adolfo), Sovon Storr, and Sarae Storr. 5 Great-Grandchildren Nathan Crawley, Naomi Crawley, Serenity Wright, Noah Crawley and Velise Ferreira, and he will be sorely missed by a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends.
A viewing will be held at A.L. Bennett and Son Funeral Home on Saturday, November 18, 2023, at 10:00 AM followed by a funeral service at 11:00 AM. Sydney's interment will take place at a later date during a private ceremony with family and friends.