NORWICH – A. James “Skip” Schibeci, of 21 Canasawacta St., passed away peacefully on Sunday afternoon, June 21, 2009.
Skip was born on Dec. 21, 1933.  He was the son of Angelo John and Rose (Favorito) Schibeci.  He was a member of the 1952 Norwich High School graduating class.  He excelled in athletics throughout his  school years.  He entered the State University of New York at Cortland in September of 1952, graduating with the Class of 1956.  Skip attended graduate school at Cortland State University, Cornell University and Syracuse University, receiving his Master’s Degree in Education and a degree confirming permanent certification for School Administrator, Supervisor and School District Administrator.
Skip started his long tenure in education, first teaching middle school science and coaching basketball, baseball and football.  Later in his career, Skip became and elementary supervisor, elementary principal, then superintendent of schools ending his educational career as a member of the School of Education at State University of New York at Oneonta.
For many years, Skip gave of his time to educational and civic organizations.  Skip was active as a neighborhood Boy Scout Commissioner, past president of the Rotary Club, a Norwich Waste Water Commissioner, a member of the Board of Directors of the YMCA.  He was also a member of the NY State Elementary Principals and Supervisors Association and the NY State Chief School Officers Association.
Skip was a member of St. Bartholomew’s Church, Norwich Elks Lodge, Knights of Columbus, Lost Pond Club, Norwich Family YMCA, Chenango Lakeowners Association, Colgate University’s Seven Oaks Golf Club and Canasawacta Country Club where he and his long-time golf partner, Bill Carson, won several major golf tournaments.
On June 23, 1962, at St. Bartholomew’s Church, Skip married the love of his life, Patricia J. Scully.  They enjoyed 47 years of wonderful life together.  Skip is also survived by a sister, Bertha DeFonzo, and her two sons, Wayne (Susan) and Richard; an aunt and uncle, Angelina and Joseph Natoli; many other relatives including Anthony (Theresa) Zieno, George (Phyllis) Zieno, Chris (Maureen) Natoli; two brothers-in-law, David F. and Charles R. Scully; nephews Andrew and Patrick Scully, a very special niece, Cynthia Scully Beattie (Kyle) and her four little ones that Skip treasured, the “four T’s”, Tyler, Taryn, Tiara and Trent.  Also surviving are family members of four special relatives that were very influential in Skip’s life, Angelo (Josephine), Anthony (Edith), Thomas (Tina) and Rosario (Carmine) Mirabito.  Many other relatives in Norwich as well as in Fulton also survive.  Skip was predeceased by his parents, brother-in-law, Anthony DeFonzo and his in-laws Raymond F. and Barbara Scully.
Skip will surely be missed by all whose lives he has touched and his example of kindness, love and strength will surely live on.
 At Skip’s request there will be no calling hours.  A Mass of Resurrection for Skip will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at St. Bartholomew’s Church.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to the A. James “Skip” Schibeci Scholarship Fund, c/o NBT Bank, 52 South Broad Street, Norwich, NY  13815.
The arrangements are under the direction of the Wilson Funeral Home.  Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting the funeral home website at:  http://wilsonfh.com.