Mario Peter Scibetta M.D.

Mario Peter Scibetta, MD, (known to many as "Pete"), passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at the age of 92. He was the beloved husband of Eleanor Wood Scibetta, his cherished partner of 67 years.

He was a devoted father to five children: Jeffrey Scibetta; Ellen (Evan) Kaffenes; Lisa Scibetta (Kirk Allen); Caroline Scibetta (John Schulze); and Kathleen Scibetta (Timothy George). Mario was also the proud grandfather of thirteen grandchildren: Eleni, Ekaterina, and Anastasia Kaffenes; Arete (Tanner) Jackson; Emily (Patrick Waring) and Marianna Allen; Charlotte (Thomas McLaren), Deane, Briggs (Adrian), and Grace Twitchell; and Mia, Nathan, and Katherine George; and one great-grandchild, Mickey Antonio Twitchell.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his four siblings: Geraldine Siegel, Charlotte Mooney, Richard Scibetta, MD, and Louis Scibetta, and by two infant grandchildren, Emanuel Evan Kaffenes and Maurya Kathryn Allen.

Mario was born in Erie, Pennsylvania, on January 8, 1934 to Angeline Palmisano and Samuel Louis Scibetta, MD. He attended Cathedral Preparatory School, graduating in 1951, and went on to attend Allegheny College. He later earned his medical degree from Western Reserve University School of Medicine, where he met a beautiful young nurse, Eleanor Jane Wood, who would become his wife and lifelong companion.

Dr. Scibetta completed his internship at Tufts University Hospital and his residency at Yale University Hospitals, specializing in both diagnostic and therapeutic radiology. After completing his training, he returned to Erie in 1963 and established a practice dedicated to radiation oncology. Recognizing the need for advanced cancer care in the region, Dr. Scibetta later facilitated the establishment of the Regional Cancer Center, a joint endeavor between Hamot Hospital and St. Vincent Health Center that offered treatment throughout the tri-state area. Dr. Scibetta served as a fulltime clinical physician and Chief Executive Officer at the Regional Cancer Center for twelve years before transitioning to the role of fulltime CEO, a position he held until his retirement in 2001. During his many years of practice, he was well regarded for his commitment to excellence in medical care and for the compassion and empathy that characterized his daily interactions with patients and staff alike.

Dr. Scibetta was deeply committed to the Erie community and generously donated time and resources to numerous local organizations. He served for many years on the Board of Trustees of Allegheny College, the Erie Philharmonic, the Regional Cancer Center Foundation, and the Erie Community Foundation. A former City Champion wrestler, Dr. Scibetta also helped establish a youth wrestling program at St. Peter Cathedral school. Throughout most of his life, he remained actively involved in civic and charitable initiatives in the Erie area.

Dr. Scibetta was a gifted organizer and administrator who led others through collaboration and consensus rather than unilateral decision-making. His generosity extended beyond philanthropy to his daily interactions with colleagues, friends, and all those he encountered. He was a man who consistently looked for and found the goodness in others. Empathy and respect for others were hallmark traits.

Dr. Scibetta also enjoyed a wide range of interests and talents, including a love of tennis, piano, boating, and classical music. Known to his wife and family as "Mar" and to most others as "Pete," he was a warm and generous man with a quick wit and a wonderful, unmistakable sense of humor. His humor was rarely subtle; often one could see the punchline coming long before he delivered a joke. Poker was not among his many talents. Above all, Mario was devoted to his family, who were the greatest joy of his life. Never one to arrive or leave from an event early, Mario lived a long and eventful life for which his family is eternally grateful.

The family wishes to extend their deepest gratitude to the caregivers and staff of Interim Healthcare, who worked tirelessly to make his final years as comfortable as possible. Friends are invited to attend visiting hours at Brugger Funeral Homes & Crematory, 1595 West 38th Street, Erie, Pennsylvania on Friday, March 13, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. A funeral mass will be held at Saint Peter Cathedral, 230 West 10th Street, Erie, PA at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 14, 2026. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery, 3325 West Lake Road, Erie, PA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Erie Community Foundation.