In Memory of Michael A “Mike” Skaradek

Obituary

Michael A. “Mike” Skaradek, of New Hartford, passed away at St. Peter’s Hospital in Albany on February 23, 2026.

Mike was born on September 9, 1950, in Amsterdam, NY. Mike was the son of the late Raymond Szkaradek and Palma (Raco) Szkaradek. He was a graduate of Bishop Scully High School, where he earned the honor of being named one of the greatest athletes in school history for his exploits on the basketball court and the baseball diamond. Mike later went on to earn his Bachelor of Science degree from Niagara University where he had the very unique opportunity to play both baseball and basketball at the Division 1 level for the Purple Eagles.

On July 17, 1982, Mike married the love of his life, Karen Allen, at St. John the Evangelist Church in New Hartford. They welcomed their beautiful daughter, Erin, to the family on August 20, 1986. Erin was the apple of Mike’s eye from that day on, and together the three of them built a beautiful life centered around family, faith and friends.

Mike dedicated his career to education, serving as a Business Law and Accounting teacher at Frankfort-Schuyler Central School. Beyond the classroom, he made a lasting impact coaching basketball and baseball at the high school level for many years, and also always cherished his times coaching basketball collegiately at SUNY Poly as well as his daughter’s AAU basketball teams.

Mike had a unique passion for life.  He will be remembered for his ability to sit and talk with anyone and his knack for storytelling and jokes. He loved afternoons on the pickleball court, handicapping and long weekends at the track in Saratoga, and watching sports.  Mike was a lifelong Dodgers fan, and always found himself rooting for Duke Basketball in March. He loved spending winters in Marco Island, trying to catch the next creamsicle sunset and took great joy relaxing in Marco with family and friends.

Mike is survived by his loving wife, Karen Skaradek; his daughter, Erin Rotchford and her husband Patrick Rotchford; his cherished grandson, Henry Allen Rotchford; his brothers in law Kevin Allen (Susan) and Mike Allen (Judy); his sisters in law Maureen Bannigan (Robert) and Suzanne Moore (Ken); and many beloved friends.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brother, Robert Skaradek.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the Talerico and Parkosewich families for years of unwavering love and support. 

A funeral service will be held on Monday, March 2, 2026, at 10:00am at St. John the Evangelist Church in New Hartford, officiated by Fr. Matt Rawson. Calling hours will be held onSunday, March 1, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00pm at Friedel, Williams & Edmunds Funeral and Cremation Services. Interment will follow at Mount Olivet Cemetery after funeral mass on Monday.

In lieu of flowers, friends may consider donations in Mike’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.

For online expressions of sympathy go to Fwefh.com