Patricia Lee Skebeck

Patricia Lee Skebeck, age 75, of Kingsville, MD passed away on October 11, 2018 at her home. She was the daughter of Joseph and Lena (Ross) Gatti and wife of the late Arthur Skebeck. Born and raised in Indiana, PA, she graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. She earned her Master’s Degree in Elementary Education from Towson University. She went on to complete post-graduate work at Towson University, Loyola College and Goucher College.
Ms. Skebeck was the first in her family to choose a career in teaching, and she credits her high school English teacher, Mrs. Blair, for inspiring her. What she loved most about teaching was watching a child “get it” and seeing the look of pride on his or her face. She was passionate about ensuring every year that each of her students left her classroom having learned something.
Ms. Skebeck began her career with Harford County Public Schools (HCPS) teaching third grade at George D. Lisby Elementary School at Hillsdale, and she went on to devote 30 outstanding years of selfless dedication to students, faculty, staff and community. She was next promoted to a teaching assistant principal at Meadowvale Elementary School, where she was in a fifth grade classroom in the morning and the office in the afternoon. She became a full-time assistant principal at Youth’s Benefit Elementary, and was then promoted to principal at Hall’s Cross Roads Elementary. She transferred to William Paca Elementary before being promoted to executive director of elementary education at the school system’s central office. Following the untimely passing of Superintendent Jacqueline C. Haas, Ms. Skebeck served as interim superintendent until she retired in 2009.
Ms. Skebeck made several significant contributions to the school system during her career. She was the recipient of many awards and honors, including the prestigious Milken National Educator Award. She was also selected as a member of the State Superintendent’s Talent Pool. Ms. Skebeck worked on numerous state and national committees exploring curriculum; teaching strategies; professional development; and title one, gifted education and special education programs. Ms. Skebeck was nominated for induction in the HCPS Educator Hall of Fame.
Ms. Skebeck continued to be very active in the community and served on the Board of Directors of Citizens Rehabilitation and Nursing Home and chaired a scholarship program sponsored by the Ravens Nest No 1 that has given more than $200,000 to student athletes in each high school in Harford County. Most knew Ms. Skebeck was an avid Ravens fan.
Ms. Skebeck is survived by three daughters, Lisa Marie (Jeffrey Douglas) Brown of Joppatowne, Lori Lynn Mitchell of Kingsville, and Julie Skebeck (David Joseph) Allen of Yorktown, VA; three brothers, Joseph Gatti of Indiana, PA, Thomas Gatti of Monroeville, PA and Robert Gatti of Columbus, OH; granddaughter, Katelyn Rae Mitchell of Kingsville; three grandsons, Ross William Mitchell of Kingsville, Nathan Joseph Allen and Noah James Allen of Yorktown, VA. She was preceded in death by her nephew, TJ Gatti.
In lieu of flowers Contributions can be made to: Bud Bitzer Scholarship, Ravens Nest No 1 c/o William Wright PO Box23, Abingdon, MD 21009 or Harford County Education Foundation c/o Deb.merlock@comcast.net