Vaclav Sykora (Wazzie), age 83, passed away on Saturday, January 19, 2019 surrounded by his loving family and friends after a long battle with Multiple Myeloma. Wazzie was born September 19, 1935 in Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic. His father was Jan Sykora and his mother was named Bozena.

In his younger years, Wazzie spent two years in seminary school to become a Priest. After graduating from high school and a few years of college, he became a buyer for the forestry division in Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic. He then immigrated to the United States and gained his citizenship here – there was no freedom for him in his country. Wazzie arrived in the United States with a wife, a son, only $50.00 in his pocket and he did not speak a word of English. He worked as a mechanic for one year in Wisconsin before moving to Florida. There, he continued to work as a mechanic, but also as an accountant and a buyer for a hotel in Orlando. It was also there that Wazzie finally was able to have his own real estate reconstruction company. After retiring, he spent four years building a French Provincial home in Eustis, FL.  He loved animals, history and politics, but most of all, Wazzie loved golf.  He completed everything on his bucket list except getting a hole-in-one. One of the highlights of his life was flying a small plane – he wanted to fly every day after that experience. Wazzie's favorite song was "My Way" by Frank Sinatra.

Wazzie is preceded in death by his wife, Jitka; by his son, Pavel Sykora; by his brother, Jan Sykora; and by his sister, Maria.

He is survived by his sister, Bozena, who is 86 years-old (Prague, Czech Republic); by his son, Petr Pravda, and daughter-in-law, Olina (Czech Republic); by his nephew, Bobby Jares (Amparo), from Lake Mary, FL; and by his granddaughter, Ashley Savage, and her husband, Dan, from Apopka, FL. Vaclav is also survived by someone whom he deeply loved, Lori Slater, his constant companion, dear friend and golfing partner.  Lori considered it a true blessing to love and be able to care for Wazzie.

At Wazzie's request, no Memorial Service for him will take place. Memorial contributions in his memory can be made to the charity of your choice.