LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the death of Duane Skrabalak, distin-
guished conductor and devoted member of his community

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
citizens of the State of New York whose lifework and civic endeavor
served to enhance the quality of life in their communities and the great
State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Duane Skrabalak of Binghamton, New York died on April 21,
2014, at the age of 65; and
WHEREAS, Born February 19, 1949, Duane Skrabalak spent four decades
with the Tri-Cities Opera (TCO); his earliest professional training
began in 1970 under the tutelage of TCO founders Peyton Hibbitt and
Carmen Savoca; and
WHEREAS, Duane Skrabalak distinguished himself in his profession and
by his sincere dedication and substantial contribution to the welfare of
his community; and
WHEREAS, Duane Skrabalak first joined Tri-Cities Opera as a singer and
pianist, and soon after became choral director; he eventually crossed
the footlights to concentrate on conducting as well as coaching voice
and language; he made his conducting debut in 1974 with Gounod's
"Faust"; and
WHEREAS, Since that time, Duane Skrabalak conducted more than 80
productions, as well as numerous chamber programs and special presenta-
tions; he was named Artistic Director in 1995, during which time he also
joined the faculty of Binghamton University as an Adjunct Assistant
Professor of Voice/Opera for the Master of Music program with special-
ization in Opera; and
WHEREAS, A driving force behind Tri-Cities Opera's success, Duane
Skrabalak was Music Director for the world premiere of Myron Fink's
"Chinchilla", and served as host of TCO's Operalogues which broadcasted
on public radio; and
WHEREAS, Duane Skrabalak's Operalogues were a signature piece of who
he was and truly reflected his wit, his intelligence, his incredible
knowledge and love of languages, his piano skills, his humor and his
charm; and
WHEREAS, Subsequently, Tri-Cities Opera will dedicate the preview of
"Die Fledermaus" on Saturday, April 26, 2014, to Duane Skrabalak in just
tribute of his remarkable passion and genius for music, language and
literature; and
WHEREAS, During his tenure with TCO and Binghamton University, Duane
Skrabalak made numerous guest conducting appearances including the
Atlanta Civic Opera, the Opera Theatre of Pittsburgh, the Clemens Center
in Elmira and the Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra for the Israel Festival;
and
WHEREAS, With an immense talent that could have taken him anywhere,
Duane Skrabalak always returned to his first love, Binghamton, New York
and Tri-Cities Opera; and
WHEREAS, Duane Skrabalak represented TCO in many more ways than just
on the podium at The Forum; he was the founder and artistic director of
Opera-Go-Round, the touring education program of one-act operas; in
addition, he served as an accompanist and TCO's chief language and
dictation teacher; and
WHEREAS, Duane Skrabalak retired from both the Tri-Cities Opera and
Binghamton University in 2010; many of his students have gone forward to
enjoy illustrious operatic careers around the world; from the NYC Metro-
politan Opera to the famous stages of Europe, his students have profited
greatly from his paternal approach to teaching; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, at age 50, Duane Skrabalak became the youngest
person to receive a star on Binghamton's Walk of Fame; the world was
truly a better place with Duane in it, and he will be deeply missed by
those fortunate enough to have known him; and
WHEREAS, Pre-deceased by his mother, Helen, and his father, Stanley,
Duane Skrabalak is survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Dr. Dale
S. and Linda M. Skrabalak; his sister and brother-in-law, Darlene and
Jon Kendrot; niece, Dr. Heather L. Gifford (Andrew); nephew, Nickolas A.
Skrabalak (Lauren); niece, Ashley; and his great-nieces and great-ne-
phews, Alayna, Jocelyn, Maxton and Hayes; he is also survived by two
dear friends: his mentor, Peyton Hibbitt and Joanne Ardune; and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit, imbued with a sense of
compassion, and comforted by a loving family, Duane Skrabalak leaves
behind a legacy which will long endure the passage of time and will
remain as a comforting memory to all he served and befriended; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Duane Skrabalak, distinguished conductor and devoted
member of his community; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of Duane Skrabalak.