It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of John Joseph Skibitzki Sr., who died on 30 July 2025 in the city of Apalachin, New York. He was born the son of the late Joseph & Victoria (Kirk) Skibitzki on August 7th, 1937, in Rome, New York. He attended Dewitt Clinton Elementary and Rome Jr. High School. He was a devoted husband to Cynthia Moran whom he preceded in death and was a hard working /loving father of seven. He was an expert in various skills at Oneida Ltd Silversmiths as well as an Engineer at Suny Binghamton College where he spent decades contributing to the betterment of his community and in the industry he worked. His commitment to his trade earned him a reputation as hardworking. His work ethic was clear in everything he undertook, and both jobs earned him a retirement from each employment. He was also a volunteer firefighter for the City of Sherrill, New York for many years.

Survivors include three sisters and one brother: Patricia Grocholski, Francis Hunter, Kathy Rose and Stanley Skibitzki & wife Gail. Five daughters and two sons: Jeanine Marie Chenel (Williams) & Husband David, Lois Elizabeth Camillucci & Husband Sam, Mary Rose McGhee-Kerins & Husband Patrick, Madeline Joy Miller & Husband Scott, Amy Jo White & Husband Howard, Peter Skibitzki, John Joseph Skibitzki Jr. & Fiancée Sarah Eaves Hughes. His family also includes 13 grandchildren whom he preceded one in death: Bruce Roland Chenel Jr. and 5 great grandchildren along with several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, John Skibitzki Sr., was a man who enjoyed woodworking, coin collecting and having coffee while eating daily at the Blue Dolphin Diner. But his real passion was his lifelong love for trains and railroads that defined his character. This passion for trains was instilled in him at an early age and throughout his life. His enthusiasm was infectious and played out through his collecting H&O train sets/models, building train towns and even setting up exhibitions at Christmas at various local malls in the area. He loved to read and learn about diverse types of trains, watch movies on older and newer model trains that still run today and even put together countless train puzzles.

Per his wishes, there will be no funeral service arrangements to be made, his only request was to be cremated and have his ashes spread over a railroad track at the discretion of the immediate family.