Obituary of Stephen Joseph Dybas

Stephen Joseph Dybas, 97, formerly of Mathias Avenue, Amsterdam, passed away peacefully on Tuesday morning at the Edward L. Wilkinson Residential Health Care Facility in Amsterdam after a short illness. He lived a short time at the Park Hill Adult Home. He was born November 15, 1909 in Amsterdam, New York. He was the son of the late peter and Cornelia Nazarkiewicz Dybas. Steve was a resident of Amsterdam during his entire life. He was known primarily for his outstanding contribution as a football coach for the Amsterdam Little Football Giants. He was a Charter member of that organization, where he served for 40 years. He also has been recognized for his assistance in coaching at the St. Mary?s School and Bishop Scully High School for 15 years. In addition, Steve was well-known for his participation in the Victory Rifle Club for nearly 50 years, during which time he earned the designation of Master Rifleman. He was a life member of the National Rifle Association and conducted the Hunter?s Safety program for more than 30 years. He also was active in various church activities at St. Mary?s Church, including the Holy Name Society. Before his retirement in 1964, he was employed as an experimental tool and die maker at General Electric Company in Schenectady. Steve was married for 55 years to the former Dorothy Campbell, who died in 1988. He is survived by his daughter, Donna Kronk and her husband Bernard, of Thousand Oaks, California, as well as two grandchildren, David and Kathleen, and six great grandchildren all of California. He also is survived by a brother, Joseph Dybas of Lake George, NY and several nieces, nephews, grand- nieces and grand- nephews. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, October 27, 2007, at 10:15 AM at the Betz, Rossi & Bellinger Family Funeral Home, 171 Guy Park Avenue, Amsterdam, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 11:00 AM at the St. Mary?s Roman Catholic Church, 156 East Main Street, Amsterdam. Burial will take place in St. Mary?s Cemetery in Fort Johnson, NY. Calling hours will be held on Friday from 4 to 7 PM at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made in Steve?s memory to the Amsterdam Little Giants Football, C/O Amsterdam City Hall, 61 Church Street, Amsterdam, New York 12010, or St. Mary's Church Memorial Fund, C/O the funeral home. CARD OF THANKS STEPHEN DYBAS The daughter and family of Stephen Dybas would like to express our deep appreciation to the many relatives and friends who shared our grief in losing a great man. We especially want to thank the nurses and staff at Wilkinson Health Care facility and Dr. Michael Sheridan who cared for my father with great compassion and kindness. Our thanks also go to Fr. James and Fr. Anthony Gully of St. Mary's Church who gave my father both spiritual comfort and their friendship. We also thank everyone who so generously contributed to St. Mary's Church and to the Amsterdam Little Giants Football in memory of "Coach Dybas". Our appreciation goes to Paul Damiano for his exceptionally beautiful floral arrangements. Finally, my special thanks go to Jack Betz of Betz, Rossi, Bellinger & Stewart who was so professional in carrying out Dad's pre-arranged funeral plans when the raging fires in Southern California and personal medical problems prevented all of us from being in Amsterdam for our final goodbye. The tremendous outpouring of your love, support and sympathy will be cherished always by our family. With gratitude, Donna Dybas Kronk & Family Thousand Oaks, California