Cyril “Cy” Sidun passed away peacefully Oct. 16, 2021, at the age of 95.
Born in 1926 in Carteret to Charles and Margaret Sidun, Cy lived his entire life in New Jersey. A United States Army veteran, Cy served his country during World War II and was proud of his service with the Manhattan Project. Cy graduated from Rutgers University and began his career as a mechanical engineer, then went on to attend the McAllister School of Embalming in New York City where he graduated first in his class.
A passionate, devoted and progressive funeral director for many years, he purchased John E. Day Funeral Home in Red Bank from his father-in-law in 1958 and managed and operated the funeral home as president until 1986. Cy cared deeply for the families he was honored to serve and he believed strongly in giving back to the community, as well as to his profession. The quintessential funeral director, Cy enjoyed serving his families, even after many years in funeral service.
Cy was active in numerous organizations in various leadership capacities throughout the course of his life: 50-year member and past-president of the Red Bank Lions Club; life member of the Red Bank Elks Lodge #233; life member of the Red Bank Knights of Columbus Council #3187; member of the American Legion Post #168; former member of the New Jersey State Funeral Directors Association; and former member and past-president of the Monmouth and Ocean Funeral Directors Association.
Cy was an avid snow skier and bicyclist, passionately doing both until the age of 90. He was a member and supporter of Rails to Trails Conservancy, the Appalachian Trail Conference, the American Museum of Natural History and Adventure Cycling.
Cy was predeceased by his son Douglas, his former wife Eleanor, his three brothers and his three sisters. He is survived by his wife of 34 years, Carol (née Shaheen); his children, David and wife Linda, Charles and wife Virginia, Drew, Jeanne, Ted and wife Jennifer; his stepchildren, Kathleen and husband Steve, John and wife Lisa, Brian and wife Becky and Vicki; as well as 23 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. He is also survived by his sister Irene Sidun and many nieces and nephews.
Family and friends may attend a Memorial Gathering from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Friday, Nov. 5 at the John E. Day Funeral Home, 85 Riverside Ave., Red Bank. A Memorial Mass will follow at 11 a.m. at St. Anthony of Padua Roman Catholic Church, 121 Bridge Ave., Red Bank.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Cy’s memory to We Care Adult Care, Inc., 552A State Route 35, Red Bank, NJ 07701.
Memories and condolences may be shared at johnedayfuneralhome.com.
The article originally appeared in the October 28 – November 3, 2021 print edition of The Two River Times.
