In Memoriam: Longtime Former Fair Havenite, Funeral Director, Cy Sidun, 95

Longtime former Fair Havenite and John E. Day funeral director Cyril “Cy” Sidun passed away peacefully on Saturday, Oct. 16. He was 95. 

Cy Sidun
Photo/family via John E. Day Funeral Home

“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 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.”

Loved ones of Cy Sidun in his obituary

Born in 1926 in Carteret, NJ to Charles and Margaret Sidun, Cy lived his entire life in New Jersey. A U.S. Army veteran, Cy served his country during World War II and was proud of his service with the Manhattan Project.

After serving in the Army, Cy graduated from Rutger’s 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. 

Cy was active in numerous organizations in various leadership capacities throughout the course of his life: He was a 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; a member of the American Legion Post #168; former member of the New Jersey State Funeral Director’s Association; and former member and past president of the Monmouth and Ocean Funeral Director’s Association. 

Cy is 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 (nee: Shaheen); his children, David and wife Linda, Charles and wife Virginia, Drew, Jeanne, Ted and wife Jennifer; his step-children, Kathleen and husband Steve, John and wife Lisa, Brian and wife Becky and Vicki; 23 grandchildren and one great-grandchild; his sister, Irene Sidun; and many nieces and nephews.

Family and friends may attend a memorial gathering on Friday, Nov.5, from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the John E. Day Funeral Home, Red Bank. A memorial mass will follow at 11 a.m. at St. Anthony Roman Catholic Church, 121 Bridge Avenue, 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.

— Edited obituary provided by family to John E. Day Funeral Home