William Skerritt

1945 - 2017

William H. Skerritt TROY - William H. Skerritt, 71, died suddenly Sunday, September 17, 2017, at Samaritan Hospital Troy. Born in Wilmington, DE, he was the son of Harry Skerritt and Ruth Chrisman Skerritt. He was the beloved husband and best friend of Joanne Johnson Skerritt during their marriage of 34 years. He was raised in Framingham and resided in Troy most of his life. He was a graduate of Framingham, MA High School and earned his Bachelor’s degree from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, class of 1970. Bill was a supervisor for the Materials Bureau of the New York State Department of Transportation for 37 1/2 years, retiring in 2012. He was currently a consultant for Chesner Engineering, PC in Long Beach, NY. An active community leader, he was President of the Board of Directors of the Hudson Mohawk Industrial Gateway, on the Board of the Arts Center of the Capital Region, a lifelong lover of antiques, and collector, scholar and author of several books on scientific instruments, especially W&LE Gurley and others made in Troy. He authored 3 books including the Charles E. Smart Collection, Antique Surveying Instruments, Troy As I See It and co-authored The Great Fire of Troy by Porter, Skerritt and Leroy. He was a well-known artist, exhibiting his works at the International Print Center in New York, Etchers Society NY, Hutson Gallery Provincetown, the Arts Center of the Capital Region, the Sand Lake Center for the Arts and thoughout the United States. Bill combined science and art with the romance of history and decay and produced a huge body of work in a wide range of materials. Survivors in addition to his wife include two sons, Shannon (Alicia) Skerritt, Portland, OR and Corey (Mary) Skerritt, Wilmington, NC; a step son, Kory (Michelle) Weaver, Averill Park and 5 grandchildren. A memorial service will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in memory of William H. Skerritt to the Hudson Mohawk Industrial Gateway 1 E Industrial Pkwy Troy, NY 12180 or Hope 7 Community Center 596 Pawling Ave Troy, NY 12180. To sign the guest book or light a candle, visit www.brycefh.com.