IN MEMORIAM: Tony Schifano, 69;
Medical Administrator, CCS Teacher
COOPERSTOWN – Anthony John Schifano, 69, who found his vocation in teaching after years in medical administration, passed away peacefully Wednesday evening, Oct. 12, 2016, at home with his family by his side.
Tony was born Oct. 5, 1947, in Pittston, Pa., a son of the late Angelo and Grace (Marranca) Schifano.
After graduating from high school, he joined the Navy as a dental technician on Dec. 27, 1968. His last duty assignment was at the Naval Station in Adak, Alaska, and he received his honorable discharge on Sept. 18, 1972.
Following his service in the military, Tony served for a brief period as a supervisor for a cold storage unit, then attended college to study medical technology. He later entered the field of medical research administration and for a time worked at the Syracuse VA Medical Center.
During his time at the VA, Tony was the first person in the country to start independent research corporations, which allows the VA system to secure outside grants. This system still exists today.
Moving to the Cooperstown area, Tony was director of medical research administration for Bassett Healthcare Network.
In 2003-12, he found his true calling as a substitute teacher for Cooperstown Central Schools. The staff, the teachers, and the students became his second family.
Tony married the former Jean Marie Buggy in West Pittston, Pa., and just this past Monday they celebrated 30 years of marriage.
Tony is further survived by their two children, son Nicholas Schifano and wife, Sarah, of Buffalo, and daughter Merritt Schifano of Ithaca; one brother, Robert Schifano and wife, Gayle, of Belleville, Pa.; sisters-in-law Eva Wojtowicz of Pittston, Pa., and Mary Ann Schifano of West Pittston, Pa.; brother and sister-in-law Gary and Rebecca Miller of Elizabethville, Pa.; and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by two brothers, Joseph and Angelo Schifano.
Calling hours will be 5-7 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 16, at the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home.
The Liturgy of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. Monday, Oct. 17, at St. Mary’s “Our Lady of the Lake” Roman Catholic Church, with Fr. John P. Rosson, pastor, presiding.
As an alternative to flowers, Tony’s family respectfully requests that memorial gifts be directed to Cooperstown Emergency Squad, Box 322, Cooperstown, NY 13326 or Bassett Healthcare, 1 Atwell Road, Cooperstown, NY 13326.
Arrangements are entrusted to Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home in Cooperstown.
