John E. "Skeets" Skarzynski

John: It is now an incredible six years since you have passed. I still remember you whenever I drive past the Kurzawa Funeral Home. Your name still comes up at times when I reminisce with my fellow umpires. You were a truly unique and fun person to umpire with.

I am very sad to hear that Skeets passed away. It always felt like it was a big game when you showed up and saw Skeets on the field. He was going to give the game his best, so you had to too! He was firm and fair and taught us respect and sportsmanship. A great man!
John and Tommy, my brother Wil and I are very sorry for your loss, God Bless.
Tom O'Leary

My sincere condolences to the Skarzynski family on the loss of "Skeets" Mr. Skarzynski umpired many of my Men's Baseball games, the last being about a month ago at his beloved Waterfront Park. Always a great conversation during games at 1st Base, and he will truly be missed by The Edison Yankees, as well as all of the teams and leagues which had the privilege of Skeets calling games. A true Gentleman

Skeets was a professional in every sense of the word! He was tough, but fair and always had a positive word. My thoughts and prayers to the family during this difficult time.

As a frequent umpiring partner with "Mr. Skeets" over the last 15 years, I will truly miss him. I will miss the pre-game meetings when he instructed coaches on some of his own special rules. I will miss when he sometimes came to see me between innings and instructed me on the correct umpiring techniques, based on his 61 years of umpiring experience. I will miss laughing at his antics when coaches disputed his calls. I will surely feel his presence with me on the baseball field for many...

My condolences to his family and friends from me and my family. Certainly one of the staples of the old time South Amboy we all grew up in. He will be missed.

WHAT A CLASS ACT ,HE WILL BE MISSED

Skeets was a great umpire, basketball official, as well as a teacher of both games. Stern, yet fair, is the way I always saw Skeets. He was respected for that.

John and Tommy, very sorry for your loss. Knowing that your dad touched many of young lives, hopefully will ease your pain.

Skeets was a consummate class act...universally respected and appreciated by generations of kids in South Amboy. I remember arriving at the Little Fields (and again later in life playing adult ball) and saying, "Phew...Skeets is behind the plate...it'll be a good game!" RIP, sir.