Beloved Former WSD Teacher Succumbs to Cancer

Anthony “Tony” C. Skoutelas brought life, fun and care into his classrooms at and (WMS).  He gave up corporate law to pursue teaching and with his positive outlook, he touched the lives of faculty and students. They were shocked to learn of his passing.    

Skoutelas, 47, died at home in Glen Mills, Pa. on October 20, 2011.  He was diagnosed with esophageal cancer in July, according to delawareonline.com.  He never smoked. 

In 1998 Skoutelas began teaching fourth grade at Stony Creek and moved to the middle school in 2002 to teach sixth grade.  Some Stony Creek students had him twice as a teacher.

In an online guest book for condolences Sophie Wragg of Ambler wrote:

Mr. Skoutelas was my teacher in 4th and 6th grades.  I am now 20 years old and to this day when someone asks who my favorite or most influential teacher has been I always say Mr. Skoutelas. He was there for me and my family in our times of need and always took the time to pull me aside and check on how I was doing.

Bob Filoon of Philadelphia, also wrote an online condolence, as did many of Skoutelas’ WSD students:

I was lucky enough to have Mr. Skoutelas as my 4th grade teacher in 1999/2000…I still remember all the things he taught me…to always pursue what I love, and to give it my all. About 3 years ago I e-mailed him to say hello, and he still remembered me and my family, and even guessed what my major in college was, which shows the kind of person he was…His passing is a truly great loss, but he will always be remembered.

Steph Guerra told Patch, "I had Mr. Skoutelas in 4th grade and even now, at 22 and a senior in college, I still consider him to be one of my favorite teachers. He was one of those teachers that was enthusiastic about his work and made me feel like I had significant things to say and contributions to make, even at the age of 9. His teaching style was fun and laid-back but he still was able to garner the respect of a group of fourth-graders."

WMS counselor Steve Ebert said, “There was a general sense of shock,” among the teachers when they found out Skoutelas died. 

Ebert said he and “Tony” first bonded over Penn State football.  “As I got to know him better, I found he was very positive, had a strong faith and a deep belief in helping others,” said Ebert.

Ebert said Skoutelas was busy outside his sixth grade classroom, too.  He earned his principal certification and was planning a Greek-focused charter school.

In 2006 Skoutelas departed from WSD to open Odyssey Charter School in Wilmington, De.  He was the headmaster.

George Chambers, Odyssey’s board president, issued a statement and said the school opened with 125 students and had grown to 500 students this year on two campuses. Skoutelas continued directing the schools this fall.

According to delawareonline.com, Skoutelas was diagnosed with cancer in July.  Ebert said he talked with Skoutelas on the phone in mid-September and said he sounded down.  Ebert asked, “Are you OK?” Skoutelas then told him he was in pain from the cancer, but wanted to talk instead about school.

Ebert said WSD teachers that attended Skoutelas’ viewing waited 90 minutes in line to express condolences to the family.

“The church was packed for the funeral on Monday.  It was standing room only,” Ebert said.

“Tony was a great person.  He loved kids and was always helping them,” said Ebert.

Skoutelas was also very devoted to his family, said Ebert and Chambers.  He is survived by his wife, L. Daphne Yiannos Skoutelas, and his three children:  Panos Anthony, Charissa Martha, and Ariana Voula.

Memorial gifts may be given to:  St. George Greek Orthodox Church, 30 E. Forge Road, Media, PA  19063, or Odyssey Charter School, 3821 Lancaster Pike, Wilmington, DE 19805. 

Online condolences:  www.whiteluttrell.com