Robert J. Skinner

SKINNER, Robert J. Robert J. Skinner, 67, of Worcester, MA, passed away Thursday, (September 13, 2007) surrounded by his family after a courageous battle with cancer. He is survived by his devoted wife of 40 years, Mary (Toomey) Skinner; his cherished sons; Robert J. Skinner and his wife Stefanie A. of Pacific Palisades, CA; and Patrick S. Skinner and Lynn Taylor of Scottsdale, AZ. He also leaves his mother Gertrude E. (Hogan) Skinner of South Dennis, a sister Kathleen A. Skinner and Charles M. Ward, of Rocky Hill.; and a brother-in-law Michael A. Curcio, of South Dennis. He was predeceased by his father John R. Skinner; a sister Judith C. (Skinner) Curcio; a niece Mary S. Curcio and a bother-in-law Stanton T. Toomey. Among his other family members who survive him are; Rosemary (Toomey) and Michael Polcari of South Dennis; Patricia (Toomey) Renda and Tom Jones of Millbury; Joan (Toomey) and Douglas Farmer of Paxton; Christine (Toomey) and Norman Ringdahl of Worcester; and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and loving friends. Bob was born in Holyoke, MA, grew up in Worcester, graduated from North High School, earned his Bachelor's Degree from Norwich University in 1963 and his Master's Degree in Administration from Worcester State College. He was a 4-letter man in both Hockey and Cross Country at North and held an office in the Catholic Youth Council of Worcester. In college he was elected to the Varsity Club, Corps Honor Society, Skull & Swords and was an elected class officer all four years. Despite sustaining a traumatic injury as a youth, he defied all odds and became an accomplished athlete. He went on to star as a hockey player for Eddie Bates at North High and earned a scholarship to Norwich University. While there, he skated on the top scoring line in the country during his senior year. Bob later played for the U.S. National Team. He was elected to Who's Who among students in American Universities and Colleges. Bob was later inducted into the Halls of Fame for hockey at Norwich and the Boys and Girls Club of Worcester and was recently recognized for his contributions to Pee Wee Hockey. Bob played for the Pee Wee Hockey Association, coached St. John's High School and Holy Cross College, ran hockey clinics and recruited for Norwich and Harvard Universities. Bob held the rank of First Lieutenant in the U.S. Army and served as a Company Commander in both Illisheim and Goeppengin, Germany during the Vietnam era. While in the Army he also coached the U.S. Army Soccer and Boxing Teams. Bob was a long time resident of Holden, South Dennis and most recently West Boylston. He built an accomplished 35 year career in the Insurance Field. He began his career with the Travelers Ins. Co., went on to work for the Middlesex Ins. Co, where he was voted "Man of the Year" several times and was the President of the 1752 Club of New England, 1988-1989 while working at the Seaco Insurance Co. Upon retirement from the Insurance Industry, Bob joined Field Grade Supply, owned and operated by his long time classmate and friend Lynn Olmsted. Bob held the office of Executive Vice President and was responsible for Sales and Marketing of apparel and giftware for businesses, colleges and organizations. An active community member, Bob contributed to the development of the athletic programs at Wachusett Regional High School and coached youth soccer for many years. He served as a Corporator of the Bay State Savings Bank and a member of St. George's Parish. An avid golfer, Bob was a member of Pleasant Valley, Holden Hills and Worcester Country Club. He also especially enjoyed playing golf at Cape Cod where he spent many of his happiest times. Bob inspired and mentored many generations of young athletes who affectionately referred to him as "COACH". Contributions to his family, friends and all those who came in contact with him are too numerous to mention. Many were touched by his dynamic personality, his wonderful jokes and legendary stories. Bob's unselfish dedication to others is his lasting legacy. He will be sorely missed as he lived his life by his motto, "Everyday is Christmas." Bob's Liturgy of Christian celebration will be held Thursday, September 20th at 11 a.m. in the church of Saint George, 40 Brattle St., Worcester. Burial will be at a later date in Oak Ridge Cemetery in Dennis on Cape Cod. Friends and relatives are invited to visit with the family from 3-8 p.m. Wednesday, September 19th in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St., Worcester, MA. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Robert Skinner Scholarship Fund at Norwich University, 158 Harmon Dr., Northfield, VT 05663 or the Lung and Allergy Department, in care of Dr. Richard Irwin at the UMASS Memorial Hospital, 55 Lake Avenue North, Worcester, MA 01655.