Obituary of Michael G. Skrobola, Sr.

It is with great sadness that the family of Michael G. Skrobola, Sr announces his passing.  Michael passed away at home, surrounded by his loved ones on March 28, 2020. He was 90.

He was born on February 21, 1930, in Yonkers, NY, son of the late Anna (Pesick) and Michael Skrobola, predeceased by his wife of 32 years, Carol (O’Brien), his stillborn son Matthew, son-in-law John Fischer II and granddaughter Noelle Skrobola. Survived by his children Michael Jr. and his wife Mary (Gennaro), Mark and his wife Deirdre (Breakenridge), Carolyn, and her husband Michael Hession, Cynthia Bancroft & Christina Fischer.  Grandchildren Michael III, Joseph, Anthony & Nicholas Skrobola, Nicole & Matthew Skrobola, Megan Breakenridge, Jennifer, Erin & John Hession, Justin & Joshua Bancroft, and Great Grandson to be Gabriel Skrobola.

Dad was an only child to parents of limited means. His father, while building the Panama Canal for the U.S. Army, contracted polio. His mother held the family together by working in a dry cleaner.  He grew up happy, living in a small but comfortable basement apartment with concrete floors and few windows. His parents, who lived through the “Great Depression,” molded our Dad into the man we remember with love. 

Dad was a decorated Korean War vet, a dedicated husband to our mom for her lifetime and beyond, a father of six who supported us and raised us on a minimal budget.  He gave us everything we needed, including the gift of higher education. It made him proud to see us all become self-sufficient, contributing members of society. He was a terrific son visiting his mother every day before or after working nearby at the sugar house.  He was also a terrific son-in-law visiting our grandmother Caroline O’Brien regularly. He was a fabulous artist who created many great Christmas paintings on our apartment windows and posters for charity events! He was a leader; during his time as Post commander of VFW Lowerre Post 3083.   We remember being so proud when we saw him give a speech in front of the VFW Post membership and their families.

Dad was a handyman and woodworker.  He remodeled our home, fixed most things that broke, and he built a basketball backboard that we wore out with use. He helped with school and cub scout projects that, with his guidance, looked almost professional. Dad also made a large animated Christmas display for our front yard, which became the backdrop of many holiday pictures.

Dad was an author, spending almost 20 years of his retirement writing his book “Three Days and Three Night to the Sabbath.” What a book! He was the most self-sacrificing, low maintenance, unselfish man we have ever known.  You never heard a “why me?” during his illness. Many people proclaim a creed of God, family, country…. with Dad its GOD…. family, country.  He lived his life in JOY (Jesus, Others, Yourself).  It’s impossible to speak with our Dad without discussing God.

He had a love for fries cooked in bacon fat, instant coffee, Dinty Moore Stew, and chili con carne. Family events like backyard barbeques, Jones Beach, taking his kids bowling, mini golf, Playland and trips to Whelan’s Drugs on Sundays after church for the Daily News, and candy.  He loved Tom Collins, Brandy Alexanders and an icy sip of Cream Sherry.  Most of all he loved his family.

At 90, he was our ultramarathon ironman.  He won the race.  We love him and are proud to call him Dad!

In lieu of flowers, please donate to VFW, Processing Center, P.O. Box 8958, Topeka, KS 66608-8958 or a catholic charity of your choice.

Considering the recent worldwide occurrences dealing with the outbreak of COVID-19, the family of Michael G. Skrobola, Sr. would like to have his Hours of Visitation and Burial Services reserved for immediate family.

Please follow the link to view Michael's Interment Ceremony: Michael G. Skrobola, Sr. Interment Ceremony