Donald H. Schoff, Sr. St. Johnsville, New York Obituary

Donald H. Schoff, Sr.

<p>&nbsp;</p> <p><span style="font-size:20px;">St. Johnsville - Donald H. Schoff, Sr., 80, of St. Johnsville, passed away peacefully on Friday October 8, 2021 at Bassett Healthcare, Cooperstown, NY.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px;">He was born December 31, 1940 in Little Falls the son of the late Elmer and Ruth (Van Slyke) Schoff. Don was a graduate of St. Johnsville High School,&nbsp;class of 1959.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px;">On June 30, 1962, Donald was united in marriage to Joyce Chamberlain at the former St. James Catholic Church in Fort Plain.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px;">Mr. Schoff was a United States Marine Corps veteran, enlisting onMay 4, 1966 and was honorably discharged on April 25, 1968 with the rank of Lance Corporal.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px;">Mr. Schoff retired from the Beech - Nut Cereal plant in Fort Plain.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px;">Donald was of the Catholic faith and was an active member of the Morris J. Edwards American Legion Post 168 of St. Johnsville.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px;">He had many fond memories of growing up with his 4 brothers and the rest of the Mindenville boys. Don had an impact on many through his years of coaching &ldquo;biddy basketball&#39;&#39; and little league. He loved umpiring, and was a 40 year member of the Mohawk Valley Umpire Association. His distinct &ldquo;STEE RIIIKE&rdquo; call made him a memorable character in the baseball world. He was honored for his contributions to baseball by being inducted into the Mohawk Valley Baseball Hall of Fame in 2016. Donald was a caring and devoted husband, father and grandfather.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px;">Survivors include his wife of 59 years, Joyce; his children, Richard Schoff and his wife Deborah of Ilion, Lisa Occhipinti and her husband Jeff of North Carolina, Donald H. Schoff, Jr. of St. Johnsville, and friend Jeff Crouse and his wife Darla of Van Hornesville; six grandchildren, Jacob, Claire, Grace, Faith, Ryan and Brittney; brothers, Philip Schoff and his wife Marcia of St. Johnsville, Lawrence Schoff and his wife Patsy of St. Johnsville and Ted Schoff and his wife Sally of Little Falls; sister-in-law, Earlene Schoff of St. Johnsville; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px;">He was pre-deceased by a brother, Robert C. Schoff on March 7, 2018.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px;">A memorial mass will be held on Saturday, October 30, 2021 at 9:00 am from Holy Family Parish, corner of Main &amp; John Streets, Little Falls, NY, with Reverend Brian Slezak, pastor, officiating. Burial will follow at West St. Johnsville Cemetery with full military honors accorded. The family will be receiving relatives and friends on Friday, October 29, 2021 from 4 - 7 pm at the Vincent A. Enea Funeral Service, (next to the Masonic Lodge), 20 Bridge St., St. Johnsville, NY 518-568-7040.</span></p>
December 31, 1940 - October 8, 202112/31/194010/08/2021
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Mike Ferris
December 14, 2021
Hi Joyce, Richie, Donnie, and Lisa. I'm so sorry for your loss. I just heard Of Don's passing from a St. Johnsville friend.

I have many fond memories of growing up in St. Johnsville. Among my favorites are the years I spent playing Little League (on the Reds of cours...
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paul matis
December 14, 2021
thoughts to Schoff family. theres not a person who grew up in 568, from 1965 on, who wasn't touched by Don. Don was a character who touched many lives and Im grateful that he was around when I grew up. my condololences.
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Brian Mazza
October 29, 2021
It was a lifetime ago that a young teacher and baseball coach in Canajoharie met Donald Schaffer. As an umpire, it was my experience that, though sometimes misunderstood, Don was patient with kids on the field even to the point of instruction during a game. He was respec... Continue Reading
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Karen & Richard Hawes
October 28, 2021
Joyce and family, So sorry to hear of Don's passing. Our deepest sympathy to all of you. Karen and Richard Hawes.
A candle was posted for Donald H. Schoff, Sr..
A candle was posted for Donald H. Schoff, Sr..
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Bob Failing Jr.
October 28, 2021
Don was like a brother to me. We started in Kindergarten and graduated together. We played baseball together,I was the pitcher and Don , the catcher, for twenty years. We played High School basketball together, even practicing in the old Mindenville School house where we... Continue Reading
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Linda Terricola
October 28, 2021
Joyce, Ritchie, Lisa, Donnie & Family, I am so sorry to hear about Don's passing! I have so many fond memories during my tenure as Director of the St. Johnsville Youth Center. Don served on the Board of Directors for many years and his dedication and hard work is admired... Continue Reading
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Perry L. Novak
October 27, 2021
Kate and I were saddened to learn of Don's passing. I became friends with Ted through covering his baseball teams for the Telegram. The whole Schoff clan earned my respect back then, in the mid 90s, and is in our prayers now.
May Don rest in peace. - Perry L. Novak
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Loring & Doris Dutcher
October 24, 2021
Joyce and Family:
Please know that our sincere sympathy is extended to you for the loss of your loved one. May hope and love heal your hearts in this time of sadness. May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed rest in peace.
Doris & Dutch
A candle was posted for Donald H. Schoff, Sr..
A candle was posted for Donald H. Schoff, Sr..
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Paul Totaling jr
October 22, 2021
Joyce and family, Sorry for your loss.I worked with Don many years at the cereal plant.Don was my buddy basketball coach too. Many memories both as a co worker and coach.A memory of going to breakfast after work each Thursday morning to McDonald's and just talking and la... Continue Reading
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Betty Chamberlain Weller
October 20, 2021
I have know Donald for 60 years. I am Joyce's sister and I think of Donald as an older brother. He brought laughter to our family gatherings. He was dedicated to his family, St Johnsville and sport. Where there was a sporting event, there was Donald. Many many youngsters... Continue Reading