Obituary of Patricia Joanne Scinta

ANDES Patricia "Patti" Joanne Scinta, 61, of Andes, passed away on Wednesday, August 08, 2012, at O'Connor Hospital, Delhi, with her friends, daughters, grandchildren and loving husband by her side. She was born on April 4, 1951 at Oceanside Hospital, Long Island, the daughter of Lincoln and Virginia (Knowles) Abrams. She met her husband Vinnie on July 21, 1967 and she waited diligently for his return from a tour of duty in Vietnam to be married on May 30, 1971. A graduate of Massapequa High School in 1969, Patti was on the Junior Olympic Gymnastics Team. Prior to moving to Andes in 1985, she was co-owner of Scinta Sunoco Service Station in Seaford, NY. Employed first as a teacher's aide at Andes Central School, Patti attended SUNY Albany, and later became Andes' Bus director and was School Bus Driver Instructor (SBDI) Certified. She became an Article 19-A examiner and taught how to drive bus at Delaware Academy, Margaretville, and Andes schools. She was a presenter at NYS School Bus Transportation Conferences in Albany. Children and their safety were her primary concerns. Despite many challenges, she had a perfect safety record. She loved the Lord Jesus and witnessed for Him everywhere and to everyone. She gave generously, was kind, compassionate, faithful and driven. She was an EMT and member of the Andes Fire Department Emergency Squad. A founding member, she started the Dollars for Scholars program in Andes. Patti loved gardening vegetables and flowers. She donated all the flowers in the beds in front of the Andes Central School. She loved listening to the birds and their songs, her dogs and fish, and enjoyed going crabbing and fishing. She was also very talented in sewing and singing. Patti loved her grandchildren and enjoyed watching and playing with them. She thanked God for her answered prayer in being able to help raise them. She is survived by her loving husband who never left her side, Vincent E. Scinta III of Andes; daughters, Julene and Jeffery Waffle of Laurens, and Jeanine and Richard Scinta-Sass of Andes; grandchildren, Faith and Liem Sass, and Lincoln, Levi and Lucas Waffle; her father, Lincoln Abrams of Andes; and a brother, Mickey Abrams of Arizona. She was predeceased by her mother, Virginia. When asked, "What do you want us to do after you leave?" She replied, "Fill the pockets of the dress." (Give much and give freely.) "What do you want your grandchildren to know?" She replied, "Find Jesus, that is where I will be." Calling hours will take place on Saturday, August 11, 2012 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the MacArthur Funeral Home, Delhi, where a funeral service will also take place beginning at 1 p.m., with UMC certified lay speaker Karen Ogborn officiating. Burial will take place in Andes Cemetery, Andes. Contributions in Patti's memory are asked to be made to Catskill Area Hospice, 116 Main St., Delhi, NY 13753 or the Andes Fire Department Emergency Squad, 5259 County Hwy 1, Andes, NY 13731. Condolences for the family can be left online at www.macarthurfh.com. Arrangements are by the MacArthur Funeral Home of Delhi.