Donald H. Schoff, Sr.

St. Johnsville - Donald H. Schoff, Sr., 80, of St. Johnsville, passed away peacefully on Friday October 8, 2021 at Bassett Healthcare, Cooperstown, NY.

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, class of 1959.

On June 30, 1962, Donald was united in marriage to Joyce Chamberlain at the former St. James Catholic Church in Fort Plain.

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.

Mr. Schoff retired from the Beech - Nut Cereal plant in Fort Plain.

Donald was of the Catholic faith and was an active member of the Morris J. Edwards American Legion Post 168 of St. Johnsville.

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 “biddy basketball'' and little league. He loved umpiring, and was a 40 year member of the Mohawk Valley Umpire Association. His distinct “STEE RIIIKE” 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.

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.

He was pre-deceased by a brother, Robert C. Schoff on March 7, 2018.

A memorial mass will be held on Saturday, October 30, 2021 at 9:00 am from Holy Family Parish, corner of Main & 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.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.