Todd James Skala

Todd Skala passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by the love of his family on June 6, 2026, at the age of 58 years old.

Todd grew up in Smithtown, New York, raised by his selfless mother alongside his older brother and younger sister. He enjoyed spending time with his grandparents and playing outdoors with his cousins. He attended Smithtown East High School.

He received his bachelor’s degree from Wagner College, NY, with a major in History and a minor in Education. During his time at Wagner College, he was a Division I baseball athlete – living out his dream playing the sport he loved since he was little. He was also a leader and member of the Theta Chi Fraternity, where he met many of his lifelong friends. He later went on to receive his master’s degree at Stony Brook University.

In 1993, Todd met the love of his life and his true companion in Las Vegas. They were married within a year and began building their life and raising their family in East Quogue, New York.

Throughout his educational journey, Todd found his passion for teaching and coaching, a career which ultimately stretched over 30 years at Eastport South Manor School District. Todd taught History and AP Psychology, and coached Varsity Golf and Baseball – positively impacting the lives of thousands of young students and athletes for decades.

Most of all, Todd will be remembered for the love that he provided for his family and loved ones. Todd was a devoted son to his mother, Arlene Skala, a supportive brother to his siblings, Keith Skala and Jill Richer, and a loving husband of 32 years to his wife, Gina Skala. He was a constant role model and an everlasting inspiration to his five children– Kennedy Koonce, Madison Campbell, Tyler Skala, McKinley Skala, and Grant Skala. Todd was also a grandfather to his grandson, Hudson Koonce, a caring uncle, and a dedicated friend.

Throughout his fulfilling life, Todd gave everything he had to his family. He always led by example, and showed those who surrounded him how to live a life worth living. He shared his favorite hobbies with his family, including going to Mets games, golfing, camping, going to the beach, boat rides, fishing, and playing wiffle ball games in the backyard. Todd traveled with his family throughout the U.S. and parts of Europe, creating memories and cherishing the moments he would forever remember.

Todd’s hard-fought battle against grade 4 brain cancer does not define who he was. Todd will always be remembered for his kind soul, his sense of pride, his competitive spirit, his ever-lasting faith in the Mets, his love for storytelling, his loyalty to his family, and his joy for living a blessed and perfect life. Todd was the leader of our family, and he demonstrated what courage, strength, and commitment looked like on a daily basis. Todd’s journey marks the life of a man who showed what it meant to be kind, love others, and appreciate life—values he instilled in his family and everyone who surrounded him.

Words cannot describe how much our family will miss him, but we are forever grateful to God for placing the greatest man anyone could ever ask for in our lives. Not a single day will pass that we won’t miss him, but we will forever find comfort in the love he will continue to bless us with from heaven and with the angels who share in his eternal happiness. With all our hearts, we miss and love you Todd, forever and ever.

“Any man can be a father, but it takes a special man to be a dad.”

The Skala family has requested a few foundations that are close to their hearts in lieu of flowers:

• Stache Strong

StacheStrong is a is a 501(c)3 nonprofit devoted to raising funds and awareness for brain cancer research. Please dedicate your donation in memory of Todd Skala, and use the following recipient information: 

Gina Skala

ginaskala5@gmail.com

• ROBERT J LONG JR SCHOLARSHIP FOUNDATION INC

Robert Long was the longtime principal at East Quogue Elementary School, a place that left a large, positive impact on Todd’s children and the entire Skala Family.