Although I only knew Joseph S. Skalny since coming to St. John Fisher College in 1995, our common Polish ancestry and Catholic faith formed a natural and instant connection between us. It was a privilege and honor to sit and share food with him a few times at College functions, and my only regret is that I was not able to experience his presence more often. Besides celebrating a Memorial Mass for Joe, I decided to put together this small tribute based on the letters of his name.
J Joseph: he had the wonderful attributes of the OT Joseph (I am your brother Joseph—Genesis 45:4), as well as those of the NT Joseph, wife of Mary (Joseph her husband was a righteous man—Matthew 1:19).
O Organized: much of his success in business and community affairs stemmed from his extraordinary organizational skills.
S Science: his gift of the Joseph S. Skalny Science Center at St. John Fisher College links him with the Polish astronomer and mathematician Nicolaus Copernicus, for very near the Skalny Science Center is Kearney Hall where above the entrance to the Computer Lab there is an art work featuring Copernicus.
E Entrepreneur: his enthusiasm for work and imaginative vision catapulted the Louis Skalny Basket Company into a highly profitable business that became a source for his philanthropic endeavors.
P Polish: his role as past Director of the Polish Heritage Society of Rochester and his founding of the Skalny Center for Polish and Central European Studies are but two examples of his pride in and promotion of Polish culture.
H Hope: having lived through the Great Depression and World War II, he had developed virtues of hope and optimism that he translated into a strong work ethic.
S. Saint: his greatness and sanctity were founded on the simplicity of the Scriptures: You have been told, O man, what the Lord requires of you: only to do the right and to love goodness, and to walk humbly with your God (Micah 6:8).
S Sincerity: among his numerous qualities were genuine sincerity, honesty, and integrity; one is reminded of what Jesus said of the apostle Nathanael—Here is a true Israelite, in whom there is no guile (John 1:47).
K Kindness: besides treating other people with the utmost respect, his kindness extended to generous philanthropic works through the Louis Skalny Foundation, most recently to the building of a Welcome Center at St. John Fisher College.
A Army: only this past October, the Irondequoit American Legion Post 134 gave him an Award of Recognition for his four years of service in the American Army during World War II.
L Leader: in addition to being a captain in the military, he served many years as the Director of the Polish Heritage Society of Rochester as well as in various leadership roles for several other organizations.
N Nobility: though he was not of royal birth, he had an innate nobility about him that translated into the numerous good works he did, especially for the Rochester community.
Y Young: one of the secrets to his enduring energy was his attitude of staying Young at Heart and active; he reminded me of the song made popular by Franks Sinatra: Fairy tales can come true / It can happen to you / If you're young at heart / … For as rich as you are / It's much better by far / To be young at heart.
May you rest in peace, Joe, and thank you for being such an inspiration to all of us.
Sincerely, Fr. Albert Cylwicki, C.S.B., St. John Fisher College Math Teacher and Trustee
