Andrew W. Skibinski

Skibinski, Andrew W.

U.S. Veteran Andrew Walter "Pooker" Skibinski died on Friday, December 18, 2015 after a brief illness. Pooker was born on March 3, 1947, in Buffalo, NY, and moved to Ithaca shortly after. After graduating from Ithaca High School in 1965, he joined the United States Army and was stationed in Korea from 1966-68. He was a proud firefighter for the Ithaca Fire Department, serving the Ithaca community for almost 25 years before retiring in 1997. Retirement brought many new interests and adventures. He was predeceased in life by his parents, Alfred "Skip" and Alfreda Skibinski (in 1968 and 2011) and is survived by his wife of 18 years, Martha Skibinski of Ithaca, NY; his ex-wife, Bonnie (Don) Williams of Rochester, NY; his daughters, Kristina (Brian) Skibinski DeWaters of Rochester, NY, Laura Lee Skibinski of Rochester, NY and Kimberly (Jay) Turcsik of Elmira, NY; and grandchildren, Anna DeWaters, Alexa and Lauren Turcsik. He also leaves behind his sister, Elaine Skibinski Brann of Surprise, AZ, and his brother, Michael (Mary) Skibinski of Lansing, NY. Pooker was an exceptional son, father, brother, uncle and friend that had a terrific sense of humor, and a passion for living life on his own terms. Countless friends and relatives will sorely miss beers, B.S., barbecue, and weird metal art with him at "PookerLand," his one-of-a-kind garage lounge, shop, studio and sanctuary. A special thank you to Jamie Kehoe and Marie Burns for being there for Pooker. Relatives, friends and firemen are invited to bring and share their best (PG) Pooker stories to calling hours on Monday, December 21, 3-6 pm at Bangs Funeral Home, 209 West Green Street, Ithaca NY. Family and friends will gather immediately following the calling hours at NewPark, 1500 Taughannock Blvd. An additional celebration of Pooker's life will be held at NewPark in the spring of 2016 and will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, consider making a donation to Hospicare, 172 E. King Rd., Ithaca, NY 14850.