Sunday's Obituary: Stanley Robert Skrabalak

Stanley Robert Skrabalak, 91, formerly of Johnson City, passed away with his family by his side at Wilson Memorial Hospital, on Wednesday, March 3, 2010. Stanley was predeceased by his wife, Helen, in 2002. He is survived by his children, Duane Skrabalak, Binghamton, Dr. Dale Skrabalak and his wife, Linda, Endicott, Darlene (Kendrot) and husband, Jon, Raleigh, NC. He also leaves his grandchildren, Dr. Heather Gifford and husband, Andrew, Baltimore, MD, Nickolas Skrabalak and wife, Lauren, Charlotte, NC and Ashley Kendrot, Raleigh, NC; as well as his great-grandchildren, Alayna Gifford, Jocelyn Gifford and (due in June 2010) Maxton Gifford. He is also survived by two sisters, Helen and Josephine, both of Phoenix, AZ. Stanley had battled Parkinson's Disease and it's complications for nearly 40 years.

A member of the famed 45th Thunderbird Division and a veteran of the Sicily, Salerno and Southern France invasions, Stanley was awarded the Bronze Star medal for "meritorious service in handling supplies and food under enemy fire," during a German counterattack in the Vosges Mountains. He spent 27 months overseas, and after the three invasions, he wore an arrowhead signifying his forward wave position in an attack. After campaigns in Sicily, Naples-Foggis, Rome-Arno, Southern France, Rhineland and Central Europe, as well as the bloody Anzio-Beachhead, he was honorably discharged as T/5.

Stanley returned from service to open several businesses over the years. Included in this group was the Belmar Restaurant, located on Main St. in Binghamton. During these years, the Belmar hosted National celebrities during summer theatre, at the now closed Masonic Temple. Included in this group were such stars as Eva Gabor, Veronica Lake, Jackie Cooper and Red Buttons. The tavern/restaurant remained a Westside staple for years until Stanley and his wife, Helen, sold the business in the mid 1990's. Generations always knew they could find a friendly face, good friends, and the best chicken in a basket, city chicken and pizza (hot pies) in the city. Stan's annual Belmar Open was a highly sought after golf tournament that eclipsed any before or after with its all-day festivities.

Stanley was a member of The Church of the Holy Trinity. Stanley cherished his family. He was a kind, loving and generous man who knew how to enjoy life while teaching his children how to become better people each day. He enjoyed golf, bowling, and casinos, (especially Black Jack). Stanley and Helen enjoyed numerous trips to Atlantic City and Las Vegas. His winning ways at bingo became legendary at Ideal Senior Living Center, during his later years. His warmth and sense of humor will be greatly missed. (Oh, that infamous "seed tooth"!) We love you Dad. A funeral service will be held 10:00 a.m. on Monday, March 8, 2010, at The Church of the Holy Trinity, Binghamton. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery. The family will receive relatives and friends in the church vestibule from 9:00 a.m. until time of service. Stanley's family would like to thank the many people who cared about Stanley both at Ideal Senior Living Center, and wherever Stanley touched their hearts. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Stanley's name to the Parkinson's Disease Foundation, 1359 Broadway, Suite 1509, New York, NY 10018.

Published in Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin from Mar. 6 to Mar. 7, 2010