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Duane Skrabalak Obituary
Binghamton: Duane R. Skrabalak, 65, passed away April 21, 2014 unexpectedly at home, after a few years of declining health. Duane was pre-deceased by his mother, Helen, and his father, Stanley. He is survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Dr. Dale S. and Linda M. Skrabalak; his sister and brother-in-law, Darlene and Jon Kendrot; niece, Dr. Heather L. Gifford (Andrew); nephew, Nickolas A. Skrabalak (Lauren); niece, Ashley and his fabulous great-nieces and great-nephews, Alayna, Jocelyn, Maxton and Hayes. Duane is also survived by two dear friends: his mentor, Peyton Hibbitt and Joanne Ardune. Duane's earliest professional training began in 1970 with the Tri-Cities Opera under the tutelage of TCO founders Peyton Hibbitt and Carmen Savoca. He first joined the company as a singer and pianist but soon became choral director and eventually crossed the footlights to concentrate on conducting as well as coaching voice and language. He made his conducting debut in 1974 with Gounod's Faust. Since then he has conducted more than 80 productions, as well as numerous chamber programs and special presentations. He was named Artistic Director in 1995 and soon after joined the faculty of Binghamton University as an Adjunct Assistant Professor of Voice/Opera for the Master of Music program with specialization in Opera. Duane was music director for the world premier of Myron Fink's Chinchilla. He also served as host of TCO's Operalogues which broadcasted on public radio. During his tenure with TCO and BU he has made numerous guest conducting appearances including the Atlanta Civic Opera, the Opera Theatre of Pittsburgh, the Clemens Center in Elmira and the Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra for the Israel Festival. Duane retired from both the Tri-Cities Opera and Binghamton University in 2010. Many of his students have gone forward to enjoy illustrious operatic careers around the world. From the NYC Metropolitan Opera to the famous stages of Europe, students have profited greatly from his teaching. Duane's approach to music was paternal. He felt that singers needed to be nurtured and allowed to grow. Duane's wit and incredible genius will be missed by the many who knew and loved him. He was a great musical artist, friend and brother. At age 50, Duane became the youngest person to receive a star on Binghamton's Walk of Fame. The world was a better place with Duane in it, but as the cliché states, the best indeed die too young. Funeral arrangements are being made by Laskowski Funeral Home, 367 Prospect Street, Binghamton. Viewing for family and friends will be Sunday, April 27th, from 4 pm-7 pm at Laskowski's. Funeral services will be April 28th at 9:30 am at Main Street Baptist Church, 117 Main Street, Binghamton. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery, Johnson City. Tributes can be viewed at http://www.broomearts.org/broome-arts-mirror/arts-talk/retired-tco-director-skrabalak-dead-65; http://tinyurl.com/Skrabalak; http://www.tricitiesopera.com/ as well as many of his friends' Facebook pages.
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Memories and Condolences
for Duane Skrabalak
Michelle (Space) Jollie
November 28, 2023
He was my 1st voice teacher 1977 at Tri-Cities Opera. He was very kind to me.
I heard him in "Don Giovanni" as Leporello, 1972/73. One time a bunch of us were hanging around the piano on Clinton St. while he played, masterfully of course, when he stopped and asked, "I heard a song on the radio. I don't know the name of it, but the 1st line is, 'If a picture paints a thousand words, then why can't I paint you....'". I answered, "That's 'If' by Bread." "What? It's what?" I said, "The song is titled 'If' and performed by the group Bread." He said the words were beautiful. They are. Another time he asked the group, "Who is the singer called the little brown sparrow?" Again I answered, "That was Jenny Lind, around 1850's. She had a 3 1/2 octave range and sang like a bird, they say." "Oh. Well, why was she a little BROWN sparrow?"
"Because when she performed she would only wear a plain and simple brown dress."
"Michelle, how do you know this?"
"I have no life Duane. I have no life."
He laughed.
Andy Solomon
August 23, 2014
Dale,Darlene; I just found out about my good friend and favorite musician today. Words will never express the memories of having the privilege to play in a band with Duane. He had an incredible talent that went way beyond the musical spectrum of the fine musicians that came from the Triple Cities. He was a very good friend, a super witty and fun person to be with. The lights at the operas around the world are a little dimmer. I am saddened at the loss of our close friend and neighbor, and I'm sure there is beautiful music being played in heaven now.
Ben Porter
May 13, 2014
We are just now getting word of this in Texas. My mother, Jill Porter, was profoundly affected by her friendship with Duane. She is most devastated by this news. We send our deepest condolences to his family and also to Peyton. He will be sorely missed.
May 5, 2014
Dale and Linda,
Sorry for your loss, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Mark & Cheryl
Linda Jackson
May 1, 2014
Sympathies to the Skrabalak family.
Patti O'Connell
May 1, 2014
Duane was conducting along with Peyton when I joined TCO as 2nd French horn in 1977. I will never forget when Duane asked me to play Principal Horn. I was honored and didn't think I could do the job, but he believed in me and urged me to give it a shot. He had the gift to inspire musicians. I will never forget all the visual cues and his vocal "wind up," which still makes me giggle. I can hear it as tho he were right here! We have lost another treasure, indeed, but I am thankful he is in that better place, free from the pain and struggles he faced with his health. God Bless him and may we all be so very thankful for the role Duane played in our lives.
Joe Roma
April 29, 2014
I first performed in the Tri-Cities Opera orchestra at the Masonic Temple in 1973. Jake Gardner was being featured in Don Giovanni, Peyton Hibbitt was conducting and Carmen Savoca was directing. Duane was performing as the Commendatore. Within a year I would be playing Duane's conducting debut in Faust. I was fortunate to play in the orchestra through the years under both men up to their final TCO performances. Duane was a friend as well as a colleague, and I will miss his wit, charm and his gift for the music.
Kay Schmaus
April 29, 2014
To Duane's family and friends, It is so sad to hear of your great loss. Even though I knew Duane only briefly since we moved to Florida shortly after Duane came to TCO, I greatly envy those who knew and worked with him 40+ years. My thoughts and prayers are with you. In deepest Sympathy, Kay Schmaus
April 29, 2014
Dear Dale and Family, I just wanted to send my heartfelt sympathies to you. I was privileged to play under Duane's baton for decades. I so enjoyed his wit, ability to coach both stage and pit and to be working with him through all of the nuances and craziness that were part and parcel of putting on a production. Years, ago, I had the occasion to do something that prompted Duane to send me a personal letter. I have that letter still and I just always thought of him as a class act to write me such a personal note. Duane was a treasure, a gift, and I will miss him always.
Donna Wood
April 29, 2014
Although I did not personally know Duane, I am saddened that we have lost this creative spirit, this soul who must at times fought tooth and nail to make things as they should be and to open doors to let the rest of us see things in a new light and color. We have lost a sparkling star in this world but hopefully if we look out on a clear night, we will see that extra glow and twinkle in the sky. We can say hello to him then. RIP.
Kenneth (Ken) Shaw
April 29, 2014
Dale and Darlene, my warmest thoughts are with you during these days. Duane's presence on this earth and his loving and supportive participation in my life was a gift - incalculably valuable – and I am quite sure his influence extends well beyond my understanding.
Wendy Kay Foldes
April 29, 2014
The heavens, have indeed, added a bright star. My condolences to Duane's family and all who knew and loved him.
George Orband
April 28, 2014
Dale and family.Sorry for the loss of your loved one.May Duane rest in pease.Duane was always nice to us little guys running around your parents house back in the day.
Carolyn
April 28, 2014
I knew Duane in elementary school in Johnson City. He was a lovely young man then. It's wonderful to read how accomplished he became in his life. He will be terribly missed by family and friends. God bless all of you.
Cynthia Clarey
April 28, 2014
So long, my dear, dear friend. I will miss you much!
Rita (Cherney) Brown
April 27, 2014
Duane was a classmate of mine at Johnson City High. He was brilliant! He wrote his history term paper completely in Latin--and it was absolutely accurate!! I am sorry to hear of his passing.
Melody (Wells) Petras
April 27, 2014
So sorry for your loss. Duane was such a kind, considerate and talented person. My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of sorrow.
Shelley Shelp
April 27, 2014
Took care of Duane several times over the last several years, a darling man with a great sense of humor,will be sadly missed
Bud and Ruthanne Koffman
April 27, 2014
We were so saddened to hear about Duane's passing. He was a talented, vibrant,brilliant and witty man who was an honor to know. We will miss a dear friend.
DORLENE (MOSCHAK) WALKER
April 27, 2014
DALE,DARLENE.... MY CONDOLENCES GO OUT TO YOU BOTH FOR THE LOSS OF YOUR DEAR BROTHER. SO MANY MEMORIES GROWING UP, THAT WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. I REGRET THAT DUE TO HEALTH REASONS, I WILL NOT BEABLE TO ATTEND THE WAKE. BUT MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU. (DORLENE MOSCHAK WALKER)
Mike & Marcy Rozelle
April 26, 2014
Dale, we are very saddened to see this. In reading his accomplishments it's clear to see he followed his dreams and had a very fulfilling life. Our condolences.
L. Spring
April 25, 2014
Neither time nor human error will dim the light he left us.
Linda Spring
April 25, 2014
Among the many who pretend...the rarest jewel is one's true friend.
Duane was the rarest of the rare...100% real, 100% of the time. While I don't blame
God for taking him, I am a little jealous.
Pat & Kris Harding
April 25, 2014
Our heartfelt condolences to the Skrabalak family. You will be in our prayers.
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