Thomas Skebos

1956 - 2018

Thomas E. Skebos, 61

Oxford - Thomas E. Skebos, 61, of Dana Drive, died Monday, September 17, 2018, in his home. He is survived by his wife of 26 years, Nancy M. (Antos) Skebos of Oxford; his son, Daniel T. Skebos of Oxford; his parents, Edward A. and Marjorie R. (Gustafson) Skebos of Spring Hill, FL; his sister, Nancy R. Roche and her husband Jack of Auburn; two brothers, David A. Skebos and his fiancée Robin Galkahis of Auburn, and Mark T. Skebos and his fiancée Deborah Buckles of Worcester; and many nephews and nieces. He was born in Worcester and was a lifelong resident of Oxford. He graduated from Bay Path Regional Vocational Technical High School in Charlton in 1975.

Tom was an electrician throughout his life, working for various companies and as a self-employed electrician for many years. He was a member of the First Congregational Church in Oxford. Tom was a Master Mason with the Oxford Lodge of Masons where he was raised in June of 1999. He served as Junior Steward, Senior Steward, Tiler, and Inside Sentinel. He was a member of the kitchen staff for five years where he cooked the monthly lodge fundraiser breakfast. Tom served as chairman of the Board of Directors for four years, chairman of the Angel Fund for ten years, and chairman of the Wheelchair Placement Committee for ten years, placing 28 wheelchairs and one bed during his tenure. He designed, built, and installed a 24-foot ramp for a boy in Oxford after receiving a donation of supplies from the Home Depot. In addition, he delivered food to the food pantry for six years.

Tom was member of the Scottish Rite where he was raised in November of 2008. He earned the Golden Passport in 2016. He set up and dismantled the stage for all of the plays, lighting, and sound for five years at both the Worcester and Boston Valleys of the Scottish Rite. He used his abilities as an electrician to re-wire all of the lighting and design new props – some of which existed since 1952. Tom completed all of the electrical work and maintenance in the Worcester Masonic Building since he joined the Scottish Rite. He supplied equipment and assisted cooking for their Family Life Campouts.

Tom was a member of the Shriners and served as 2nd Vice President of the Worcester County Shrine Club. He was co-chairman of the mini cars and owned 3 mini cars of his own which he proudly displayed in several parades each year. He served as chairman of the Can Tabs Fundraiser and was a member of the Director's Staff and Ambassador to the 24th District. Tom was co-chairman of the Transportation Van and drove nearly 8000 miles transporting children to medical appointments at Shriner's Hospital. He participated in the Leprechaun Plunge for the Aleppo Shriner's to raise money for Shriner's Hospital.

Tom served as secretary for the Aletheia Grotto for five years and helped design and build the smoker's room in the Boylston Lodge. He was DeMolay for the Worcester Chapter for 6 years.

Tom proudly served the Oxford community for many years. He was a member of the Police Cadet Program for 3 years and was promoted to reserve officer where he worked with drug enforcement for four years. He was a member of the Founder's Day Committee for 15 years and was responsible for lighting, sound, and electricity to each booth for the 3-day celebration. He was the assistant wiring inspector for Oxford for four years and worked on the old and new kennels for the Oxford Animal Shelter. He has been a trustee of the Oxford Dog Park Committee for two years. Tom worked in the old and new food pantry locations, building shelving, designing and helping to build the new location, and donating all of the lumber. He helped set up and break down the books for the semi-annual book sale for the Friends of the Oxford Public Library, raising thousands of dollars for the children's programs at the library. He was a Boy Scout leader for Troop 147 in Oxford for 12 years. He participated in the annual field day for Oxford schools for 12 years, where he was known as Mr. Hamburger for grilling food for the students at the elementary schools.

Tom had many dogs over the years that he loved dearly. He enjoyed growing up on his grandfather's farm in North Brookfield, and he missed the farm every day of his life. Tom earned his blackbelt in Tang-Soo-Do from McCoy's Action Karate and the Cheezic Federation.

Calling hours are Friday, September 21, 2018, from 3-7 p.m. at Paradis-Givner Funeral Home, 357 Main St., Oxford. A service will be held at 7 p.m. at the conclusion of the calling hours with the Oxford Lodge of Masons and Rev. Dr. Samuel Young. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Shriner's Hospital for Children, 516 Carew St. Springfield, MA 01104.

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