He wore a lot of hats. That’s not a proverbial observation. Bob Scripko, known for his devotion to people, education and caps that entertained, was principal of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School in Raleigh from 2004 until 2012. He died July 1, 2026, in Winter Park, Florida, at the age of 76.
His funeral Mass was held Aug. 24 at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, and Father John Forbes shared a homily centered on the hope of salvation and the wonder that can surround the idea of how people return to God.
“Dr. Bob never took himself too seriously,” said Father John. “Now I realize what a gift that was.”
Father John talked about how, at least for him, some of Scripko’s hats could cause embarrassment. But in the same breath he smiled, took out a large chicken hat from behind the ambo and said, “In honor of Dr. Bob, I want to be as silly as he was.”
As a congregation of Scripko’s family, friends, former colleagues and former students shared a knowing laugh, the priest continued.
“Dr. Bob used humor and good nature to effect great change,” Father John said. “He had a way of letting go of himself and reaching out to others. If we can do any of these things, we, too, will leave this world a better place.”
Father John shared that Scripko was playful, but also professional. He set out to help the school become a National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence, an honor it received in 2007.
“Dr. Bob was a living, breathing example of how one person can make a tremendous impact on an organization,” former school parent Marirose Steigerwald said. “He cared deeply about the students and was an expert in handling the parents. He had memorized all of the students’ names and greeted each of the 8th graders by name on their first day. It made quite an impression.”
Steigerwald was president of the school’s parent-teacher organization when Scripko was hired and said he quickly became known as an excellent communicator who was able to help correct students’ behavior challenges with positivity and opportunities to demonstrate change.
“He created a legacy at OLL that will live forever,” she shared. I can still see his office, which was filled to overflowing with stuffed lions [the school’s mascot] — kids would bring them to him constantly,” she said.
Ellen Crawford, a former school nurse at OLL, said that she will remember his bright personality and the care he showed to those around him through witty voicemails and remembering birthdays with song.
“He will be fondly remembered for his silly hats, his beanie baby collection, his creation of Special Persons Day, his school wide bingo games, his love of the arts and travel, and his faith,” she said. “He made it a priority to know every student’s and parent’s names and something unique about each of them, making each feel special and loved. He was deeply committed to and proud of his vocation as an educator and was highly respected.”
Originally from West Hazleton, Pennsylvania, Scripko traveled to many places in the world — including Japan, Scotland and Saudi Arabia — to study, work and explore. He earned advanced degrees at Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington.
His obituary is available online, and interment was scheduled for Aug. 26 at Mountain View Cemetery in West Hazleton.