Staff
Staff
All great businesses share a common trait - people make the difference. The caring associates at Chopyak-Scheider Funeral Home, Inc. have been serving the community one family at a time. Below you will find the life history of each our knowledgeable and dedicated staff. Please contact any of us, we’re always here to assist.
William J. "Bill" Scheider
Funeral Director
Since 1979, the Chopyak-Scheider Funeral Home, Inc. has been personally operated and managed by William J. “Bill” Scheider. Bill is married to the former Nikki Ann Prorok of Binghamton, and they reside in Johnson City. They have a daughter, Leigh Ann Scheider, who lives and works in New Jersey.
Bill was raised in Endwell, graduated from Maine-Endwell Schools, and earned his B.A. in sociology from Hobart College in Geneva. He graduated from Simmons School of Mortuary Science in Syracuse, passed the National Board for Funeral Service and did his apprenticeship with the Edward F. Carter Funeral Home in Montrose and Croton-on-Hudson, New York.
He received his New York State Funeral Director License in 1978 when he joined his grandmother and mother in the family business. Bill purchased the funeral home and property from his mother in 1981 and has made many expansions and improvements over the years.
Bill became a lifetime Certified Funeral Service Practitioner in 1992 and continues to recertify annually with continuing education accreditation.
Professionally, Bill is a member of the National Funeral Directors Association, New York State Funeral Directors Association and Broome County Funeral Directors Association.
Nikki Scheider
Office Manager
Nikki Ann Scheider was raised in Binghamton. She graduated from Binghamton Central and went on to earn her Bachelor of Arts in Education from Cortland University and her Masters in Elementary Education with Honors from Binghamton University. Nikki retired in 2017 from the Johnson City School System after forty years of dedicated service as an elementary teacher. Besides, being a wife, mother, and teacher, Nikki is a former choir member, former ninth grade Sunday School teacher and was Vice-Principal of St. Michael’s Orthodox Church School for several years. She is a past negotiator and a member of the Johnson City Teachers’ Association, a former member of the Johnson City Parent Teachers Association, and a past co-chairperson for the Johnson City After Prom Committee. She is a Paul Harris Fellow. She actively joined her husband in the family business as the Vice President and adds her compassion and care to the families we are honored to serve.
Thomas O’Connor
Staff
Thomas O’Connor has been associated with the Chopyak-Scheider Funeral Home for over twelve years. Tom is currently a resident of Johnson City and has been a lifelong resident of Chenango and Broome Counties. He is the father of three children, seven grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.
After graduating from the Chenango Forks School System, Tom earned his degree in civil engineering from Broome Technical Community College(now SUNY Broome).
Tom is a Vietnam War Veteran serving with the United States Navy (Seabees).
He retired from Hawk Engineering as a New York and Pennsylvania licensed Civil Engineer.
Tom enjoys going to the various events his family is involved with. Tom also enjoys giving back to his community and is a member and past Secretary of the Binghamton Breakfast Rotary Club since 1989 and is former secretary and board member for S.E.P.P., Inc (Elderly Housing).
Michael Pylypciw
Staff
Michael Pylypciw has been a proud member of the staff of the Chopyak-Scheider Funeral Home for over ten years. He grew up in Johnson City and has been married to Elizabeth for almost thirty years. They are the proud parents of two adult sons, Jacob and Luke.
After graduating from Johnson City, Mike received his AAS degree in Criminal Justice from Broome Community College (now SUNY Broome). He furthered his education when he received his Certificate in Divinity and Theology from St. Tikhon’s Orthodox Theological Seminary.
Mike has been the owner of Mike’s Auto Sales and Reconditioning since 1989. He is a subdeacon and active member of SS Peter & Paul Orthodox Church in Endicott and a former church president and board member.
Spending time with his family is Mike’s priority. He also enjoys traveling and exploring new places. He is an avid runner and enjoys target practice at a local range. He loves routing at various sporting events, be it basketball, baseball, or football from the local teams to college and professional levels.