Norman Basil Stamboly

Norman Basil Stamboly, age 74, passed away surrounded by his loving family on Tuesday, August 26, 2025.

He was born in Utica on March 20, 1951, a son of the late Basil and Lois (Sugarman) Stamboly. Norm graduated from local schools and would go on to obtain his teaching certificate from Niagara University. On October 10, 1982, he married Rebecca DeMarsh in Utica, a blessed union of 42 years. Norm had a long illustrious teaching career, eventually retiring from Proctor High School as a Physical Education Teacher.

Norman, was a man of few words but those few words were loudly heard. What was the loudest was the silence of his listening. He, along with his siblings, helped his parents work and run the Champlain Market on Highland Avenue until they took their own paths and pursued careers. Norm was proud of his famiy’s Syrian heritage and traditions. He was an outdoorsman, a man who truly appreciated nature. Norm enjoyed the adventures and memories of Stamboly hunting camp, fishing, especially black lake, skiing at McCauley Mountain and traveling out west with his friends and wife. He fell in love with the Adirondacks and convinced his wife and father to purchase their camp on First Lake in Old Forge 40 years ago. Norm and MANY friends shared many laughs, hikes, boating trips, water skiing adventures, and memories, a property his children and grandchildren are truly grateful for. They now appreciate and love Old Forge, NY. Golf was another one of Norm’s many hobbies. The memories and stories he had of “The Georgie” are something to be heard of. To his family, he was Dad and Husband, but to the community he was “Coach”. Norm was much more than a coach though, he provided for all of his players, shoes, clothes, laundry, and a bed when needed. He never let a player go without. It brings his family joy to hear about all the things they didn't see in this role as Coach. Basketball was his passion. Playing, assisting and then finally Head Coach. He held, maintained and lived this role for 20 years. It was something he did not take lightly and he brought his family along for the ride. Norm loved his trips to the final four with fellow coaches, friends and especially with his son, Bryan. Always a tossup, do we cheer for Duke and Coach K or UNC and MJ? Once retired, he enjoyed many trips with his wife Beki. Two to remember, were his Alaskan cruise and the Island of Hawaii. Beki and Norman shared a love for dogs. Together they shared Raison Cane, Dakota, Jeter and new companion “Coach”. A tradition Norm was dedicated to was the best race in the world the Boilermaker. Norm, first a runner of the race and then a yearly volunteer at the finish line with his committed crew. After hanging up his running shoes he was wildly known as a staple on the parkway for early morning walks. Norm also in retirement found joy in gardening of ALL the things. He loved being able to distribute what they grew to others. Most recently Norm along with Beki and friends at the Dinghy Bar took a chance on a two-year-old Colt newly named “Dinghy Bar”. He will race at Saratoga on Sunday August 31st, place your bets.

He is survived by his wife, Rebecca; his children, Bryan Stamboly, Utica and Sara (John) Warner, Marcy; his grandchildren, Joslyn, Finnegan and Maverick Warner; his siblings, Michael (Todd Henry) Stamboly and Christina (Guy Yacobelli) Stamboly, many aunts, uncles nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends, too many to name and his beloved canine companion, Coach. Norm was predeceased by his parents, Basil and Lois Stamboly and his in-laws, Robert (Ruth) DeMarsh.

Relatives and friends are invited and may call on Friday, September 5, 2025, from 4 – 7 PM at the Scala, Roefaro & Karboski Funeral Home 1122 Culver Ave. Utica. Funeral services will be on Saturday, September 6, 2025, at 10 AM at Mary, Mother of Our Savior Parish (Our Lady of Lourdes Campus) where his Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Private entombment will be in Resurrection Chapel Mausoleum.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances in Norm’s name may be made to the Proctor Football Boosters. (In the memo, please notate which sport you would like to receive the funds.) Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

Arrangements are under the guidance of the Scala, Roefaro & Karboski Funeral Home, David Roefaro and Stephen Karboski, directors.