The Leesburg community is mourning the sudden passing of Scott Christley, longtime owner of SkateWorld, who spent over four decades prioritizing Kids’ safety in a better playing environment.
His family announced the loss on social media Thursday. SkateWorld closed that day while staff and family gathered; funeral arrangements have not yet been released.
Christley’s connection to the rink went back to 1982. A Leesburg High School graduate who studied at Lake–Sumter State College, he built SkateWorld into more than a business.
It slowly became a community anchor. Under his watch, the rink hosted birthday parties under strobe lights, church youth nights, speed-practice meets, team events, and safe Friday nights for kids who needed a place to belong.
His daughter, Megan Macinski, posted a raw, faith-soaked statement that captured the family’s grief and their search for meaning:
“The love my dad showed my momma gave me a true vision of what ‘til death do us part’ really means. He was the perfect example of a leader—strong, kind, and steady—and his spirit will forever be with me… We’re holding onto the peace of knowing he is now resting with the Lord.”
Friends, former employees, and patrons flooded social media with memories that painted the same picture: a smiling, approachable man who ran the rink like family.
Leesburg Community is left Shocked
Sean Huntt called him a mentor who “was always there if I needed some life advice.”
Taylor Foster, who grew up at SkateWorld, wrote, “I’m at a loss for words… He carried a light and passion that literally lit up the skating rink as soon as you walked through the doors.”
The Leesburg Class of 1979 summed it up plainly: “We have lost a great friend and classmate. Please keep his family in your thoughts.”
Other comments piled up — short, exact, truthful: “best babysitters in town,” “one heck of a boss man,” “a tremendous loss to this community,” “he was always smiling,” and “you will be missed.”
Former skate guards and parents remembered his hospitality and how he managed the rink, allowing parents to drop off their kids without worry.
Coaches and team families praised his support and leadership at meets and practices.
The community response went beyond words. A Meal Train organized by Lia Peterson is collecting meals to help the Christley family and SkateWorld during the coming weeks, and dozens of neighbors have offered prayers, condolences, and practical support while the family grieves.
Scott and his wife, Mary, often described as “like family” to staff and regulars, leave behind a legacy of ordinary moments that became lasting memories: first skates, birthday candles blown out under flashing lights, teenage hangouts, and the quiet lessons kids learned from being treated with respect.
Leesburg has lost more than a business owner. It lost a consistent, daily presence, the man who turned a wooden floor, rental skates, and a snack bar into a place where people felt welcome. The city will feel that absence for a long time.
According to Megan, Scott’s daughter, the Visitation will be held at Page-Theus in downtown Leesburg on November 18th, from 6 P.M. to 8 P.M.
She has also thanked the family for all the love and support they have received during his difficult moment, “Thank you to everyone who has reached out during this sudden and tragic loss. Your presence, prayers, and kindness mean more than words.”
The funeral will also take place in the same place, while the graveside service is planned at Lone Oak.
There will also be a candlelight Vigil on Sunday, November 16, at 6:30 P.M. at the StakeWorld Leesburg, for those who want to gather for prayers.
