Obituary of Henry Cibelli
Henry T. Cibelli, at the age of 62, passed away on February 15, 2018 at his home surrounded by his loving family after a long and brave fight with cancer. Henry was born on July 21, 1955 to Ernest J. Cibelli Sr. and Claire Cibelli (née Rylah).
Henry married Amy Kirkpatrick on August 25, 1985 at Holy Trinity Church. Both lifelong area residents, Henry and Amy continued to make Poughkeepsie their home, raising their three daughters here.
He was a dedicated and loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, son, and friend. He loved spending time with his family, vacationing to Lake George and Accord, going on hot air balloon rides with his wife, and playing with his grandson.
Music has always been an important part of Henry’s life. He enjoyed singing, playing the keyboard and organ, and the guitar. While attending Arlington High School, he proudly played in his band, Pegasus, alongside his friends. He loved listening to music, often playing Yes and Genesis on Saturday mornings while making breakfast for his daughters. Later, he was a dedicated Arlington Marching Band groupie, supporting all three daughters and following the band all the way to the nationals in the equipment truck.
Henry enjoyed sports throughout his life, playing baseball and football for Arlington. He continued to enjoy both sports being an avid Mets and Jets fan, this fall bringing the whole family and his grandson to his first MLB game. Henry also enjoyed playing golf, coaching his daughters' childhood soccer teams, and teaching them to swim and ride bikes.
Henry held many jobs in facilities management, including working for Arlington Central School District as assistant and director of facilities and grounds for thirteen years. Moving to Beacon City School District as the director of facilities for the last five years of his career, Henry retired on July 3, 2017 to become a professional grandpa. He was a longtime member of the NYS School Facilities Association, where he was the president of the Mid-Hudson Chapter for five years. True to his nature, he took immense pride in ensuring the schools he cared for and the staff and children within them were safe. In recognition of that dedication and leadership, the Mid-Hudson Chapter recently created the Henry Cibelli mentor scholarship, which will allow other members to attend the SFMI conferences.
He is survived by Amy, his wife of thirty-two years and their children; Jennifer, her husband Carter Chamberlain, and their son Benjamin. Daughter Meghan and her boyfriend Joshua Winans, and daughter Lindsey and her boyfriend Jason Lee. A brother, Edward and wife Robin Cibelli; his mother-in-law, Mary C. Kirkpatrick; his sisters-in-law, Kay Pecchia, Terrie Cruger, Jayne Kelly, Tracey Kirkpatrick, and Jonni and husband Brian Nash; a brother-in-law, Mickey Kirkpatrick. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews he loved very much.
Henry was predeceased by his parents, Ernest and Claire Cibelli; a brother, Ernest J. Cibelli, Jr.; his father-in-law, Bernard T. Kirkpatrick; his brothers-in-law Gino Pecchia, Thomas Cruger, and Bryan Kirkpatrick; and a sister-in-law, Carol Kirkpatrick.
Henry’s love, friendship, and unwavering kindness to all will forever be remembered and missed by everyone who has been lucky enough to know this wonderful man.
Memorial contributions can be made on behalf of Henry to the American Cancer Society to help prevent, treat, and provide financial assistance to those in need.
Calling hours will take place on Wednesday, February 21, 2018 from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Timothy P. Doyle Funeral Home, 371 Hooker Avenue, Poughkeepsie, NY 12603. Funeral services will take place on Thursday, February 22, 2018 at 10 a.m. at Holy Trinity Church, Poughkeepsie, NY. Burial is private and at the convenience of the family. For directions or to leave an online condolence please visit www.doylefuneralhome.com
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