Obituary of Robert J. Skebey

SKEBEY, Robert J. Age 90 and a longtime resident of Watkins Rd., Horseheads passed away Thurs. Oct. 6, 2011. Bob was born in Elmira Sept. 2, 1921 to William and Winifred (Droleski) Skebey. He was predeceased by his wife, Katie (Wasek) Skebey on June 15, 2008. Bob and Katie were also predeceased by their daughter, Sherry Skebey in 1974. He is survived by a son, Thomas Skebey of Horseheads, NY; grandchildren, Richard Skebey of Horseheads, NY and William Skebey of Manchester, NH; sister, Winifred Kramarick of Elmira and several nieces and nephews and special friends. In addition, Bob was also predeceased by his sisters and brothers, William Skebey, Rose Tierney, Theresa Searles and Helen Skebey. Bob was a longtime communicant and head usher of St. Patrick’s Church in Elmira. Bob served as 1st. Lieutenant in the US Army Air corps, 12th Air force, 445 Bomber Squadron, 321 Bomb Group where he flew B-25’s with 49 combat missions. He retired from the US Postal Service and from from 1962-1985 he served as the Postmaster for the Horseheads Office. He served on the Horseheads Zoning Board of Appeals, was a member and Chairman of the Planning Board and also a village Trustee. Bob was a dedicated member of the Horseheads Town & Country Fire Department, past Deputy Chief, and member and Vice President of their Board of Directors. He was also a member of Horseheads Chamber of Commerce, Lions Club and the American Legion. Family and friends are invited to call at the Barber Funeral Home 413 S. Main St. Horseheads on Monday Oct. 10, 2011 from 5-8:00 pm. Officers and members of the Horseheads Town & Country Fire Department will assemble for their Firefighter Memorial Service at 7:30 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in St. Patrick’s Church 604 Park Place Elmira on Tuesday Oct. 11, 2011 at 3:00 pm the Rev. Richard Farrell, Celebrant. Burial service with military honors will follow in Maple Grove Cemetery. Those wishing may also remember Bob with memorials to the Horseheads Town & Country Fire Department 130 Gardner Rd. Horseheads, NY 14845. Thanks the Staff of Appleridge and also special thanks to Marilyn Skebey, Melanie Smith and Robin Van Atta for their help and caring for Bob. Condolences and remembrances may also be left and viewed at www.barberfuneralhome.com