Ironside Funeral Home
http://www.ironsidefuneralhome.com
Leonard F. Skibitski, 85, of Rome, passed away on Saturday, August 24th, 2024, after a thirteen-month battle surrounded by his family.
He was born on October 1st, 1938, in Rome, the son of John B. and Nellie (Ostrowski)
Skibitski. Lenny was a 1956 graduate of Holland Patent Central High School. He continued on to receive his associate's degree from SUNY Morrisville, Class of 1958. On April 18th, 1962, Leonard proudly enlisted to serve his nation as a member of the United States Army. He received an honorable discharge on April 17th, 1964, while he was stationed at Fort Bliss in Texas. On June 30th, 1962, Mr. Skibitski was united in marriage to Margaret Coote at Rome's Transfiguration Church.
Len was an electrical engineer working on the radar systems of B52s for General Electric for over thirty-three years, retiring in 1993. His mechanical skills were utilized to help so many friends and family fix/repair their "stuff" for decades. He took great pride in being the handyman for his children's houses.
Leonard was of the Catholic faith, attending Transfiguration Church. He was a proud member of many clubs and organizations including: Stanwix Heights Snowmobile Club, The Rome Polish Home, The Quarter of a Century Club at G.E., Mohawk Glen Golf Course, President of the Transfiguration Golf League and President & coach for Rome National Little League.
Many of Lenny's hobbies were enjoyed in the great outdoors. He enjoyed trout, salmon & walleye fishing, as well as turkey & whitetail deer hunting. He spent a large amount of time in the Northern Tier at his family's camp deemed "Ski Country". Len & Margaret spent fifty-seven years in their large city garden on Calvert St. growing what some may call Rome's finest tomatoes and corn. Providing these crops to his neighbors,friends and family from Oneida to Rome to Sylvan Beach was one of his great joys.
Sports play an important role in the Skibitski family. Len proudly supported RCH sports and RFA football. He later became an avid fan of both Oneida and Rome sports programs watching his granddaughters. You could find Grandpa & Grandma Ski in the stands cheering on their granddaughters and their teammates at almost every game or match to include basketball, softball, tennis, and track (over 1,400 contests). A confidence builder and designated glove repairer, Len spent many years in the dugout coaching Oneida Baseball with his son, Jeff. He also served as the trusted bookkeeper for Oneida Fastpitch Softball.
Lenny is survived by his loving wife of sixty-two years, Margaret; three children, Jeff (Jackie) Skibitski of Oneida, Bob (Shelley) Skibitski of Rome, and Julie (Ray) Gerard of Rutland, VT; a brother, Dennis (Donna) Skibitski of Atlanta, GA; three beautiful granddaughters whom were the light of his life, Hannah Skibitski of Burlington VT, Lexi Skibitski of Baldwinsville, and Lauren Skibitski of Oneida; five grand dogs, and many nieces and nephews.
Leonard was predeceased by his sisters, Esther (Ray) Bazan, Delores (Leo) Jarosz; three brothers, Bobby Skibitski, Dick Skibitski, and his best friend, John S. Skibitski; brothers/sisters-in-law, Dick (Jeannette) Wilson & George (Toni) Coote.
Len's family wishes to express their gratitude to Hematology and Oncology of CNY's Dr. Cherny & staff, St. Joseph's Hospital, and Hospice and Palliative Care for the professionalism and compassion that was shown to him; their care went above and beyond.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, August 30, 2024, beginning with a Prayer Service at 10:15 AM at Nunn and Harper Funeral Home, Inc., followed by his Funeral Mass at 11 AM at Transfiguration Church, 111 Ridge St, Rome, where the Rev. Paul F. Angelicchio will officiate. Interment with Military Honors will take place in St. Mary's Cemetery. Family and friends are invited and may call on Thursday, August 29, 2024, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the funeral home, 418 N. George St., Rome. Memorial contributions may be made in Len's memory to the Grandma Ski Award ? Oneida Sports Booster Club, 26 State St., Oneida, NY, 13421, or the Michelle Adey Fund, 8572 Teugega Pt Rd., Rome. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Nunn and Harper Funeral Home, Inc., 418 N. George Rome, and the Ironside Funeral Home, Inc., 342 Main St., Oneida. You may view the obituary and send a message of condolence online at www.ironsidefuneralhome.com.
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