Sylvester ‘Cully’ Union Jr., the father of actress Gabrielle Union, has died at age 81 following a battle with dementia.
Gabrielle, 53, announced his passing with a heartbreaking tribute remembering the ‘perfectly imperfect man and father’, ‘the life of every party’ who never left a single person ‘behind or unseen’.
The tribute also detailed how dementia had robbed Sylvester of his spirit – and the hope Gabrielle held out for a mere ‘smile’ from him as the disease progressed.
The post was accompanied by photos and videos of her father over the years, touching memories that included footage of Sylvester singing, dancing, and spending time with family.
‘Yesterday morning, my Dad, Sylvester “Cully” Union Jr., passed away. No matter how much you think you know about dementia, nothing prepares you for the painfully slow disappearing of your loved one,’ she posted.
‘First it’s repeating words or forgetting little things here or there, then BOOM, he can’t swallow or walk. The them that you know gets smaller and smaller. You hold out hope for sustained eye contact or a smile; even a hand squeeze can make you feel like they could come back to you “normal” at any second. It’s brutal and it’s what he experienced, but it wasn’t who he was.
Sylvester ‘Cully’ Union Jr., the father of actress Gabrielle Union, has died at age 81 following a battle with dementia
The tribute included a photo of Sylvester with his son-in-law Dwyane Wade
‘Through every step of his life, my Dad was surrounded by love and support from his ever-growing village. I swear he never met a stranger, just friends he hadn’t met yet. A lifelong, die-hard Nebraska fan, he taught me the values of teamwork, a fierce work ethic, and that you are only as strong as your weakest link, so tend to them first.
‘My Dad was a perfectly imperfect man and father. Over time he evolved, acknowledged his imperfections, apologized, and made amends for as long as it took for the hurts to heal. He made it his business to look after everyone. He loved our friends too and treated them like his sons and daughters. No one was ever left behind or unseen.
‘My parents were the first allies and comrades I saw in action, and I vowed to follow in their footsteps. My Dad also loved to party, ALWAYS the life of EVERY party. He loved music, traveling the world, and spending time with extended family and friends.
‘I am grateful for all who stepped up in his final years to care, nurture, and love on him. My family and I are eternally grateful for the medical and memory care staff who ensured he had the best care. My sisters who stepped up are heroes, and I love you both beyond words.
‘It’s bewildering to feel relief that the pain has ended, but profound heartbreak at the finality of his time. I know I’m not the first or last Daddy’s girl to go through this, and I’m sending love and healing to anyone suffering the loss of a parent. I know his love is eternal and will find me in every realm.
‘PS: If you knew my Dad, please share in the comments. Our family will cherish.’
The tribute was flooded with comments sending their condolences, including a sweet message from Sylvester’s son-in-law and Gabrielle’s husband, Dwyane Wade.
‘My guy,’ he commented, along with three heart emojis.
Union said her father was a lover of life who never left a single person ‘behind or unseen’
The Bring It On actress said her father was ‘surrounded by love and support from his ever-growing village’ throughout his life
The post contained photos of Sylvester with his family, including his granddaughter Kaavia
Wade left a sweet comment on his wife’s heartbreaking post
Dwyane posted the same tribute video to his own account with the message: ‘Thank you for all the memories pops (heart emoji) you.’
Sylvester celebrated his 81st birthday in October and was paid a visit by his doting daughter and son-in-law.
The actress was happy to see she was still able to connect with him despite his disease – with his eyes lighting up at the sight of his family.
‘It’s my Dad’s 81st birthday and I don’t think I’ve ever been more grateful to be his daughter. Loving someone is easier when they can communicate, joke, and be affectionate but it’s a blessing to still feel that love and connection when dementia has overtaken him. Almost.
‘His eyes lit up when he saw me and @dwyanewade standing at his bedside. He still chuckles when his grandsons bag on him. He’s still here and that’s enough.
‘Please send my Dad some birthday love… cuz he might cuss you out if you don’t! He definitely told his fellow residents in a clear loud voice to “Shut the F UP!”’
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