Richard E. Skinner

Richard E. Skinner, 81, of Plymouth, MA, passed away on April 11, 2017 at Golden Living Nursing Home after a long illness.  His loving companion Ruth Caranci of Plymouth survives him.   He was the son of Alice and Charles Skinner of West Roxbury, MA and York, ME. He is survived by his loving son, Stephen Skinner of Rockland, daughter, Mylene Lynch and her husband, Bernard Lynch, II of NY, his grandchildren, Bernard III and Jack, brother, Charles Skinner and wife Jeanne of FL, Sister. Sandra LaBonte and her husband Fred of ME, many nieces and nephews, as well as, Ruth's loving children, Marcia Borghesani of Hingham, Melanie Caranci of Plymouth, and predeceased by Mark Caranci of FL. He achieved a B.S.ED. and M.ED. from Boston State College and a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study in Elementary Administration at Boston University.  He retired as Principal of Maquan Elementary in Hanson after 37 years of dedication and service to the field of education, 10 years as a Classroom Teacher and 27 years as a Supervising Principal. Richard attended the Zion Lutheran Church of Plymouth. He loved to read and would rarely be seen without a stack of novels at his side.  He was a highly motivated and enthusiastic participant in programs geared toward developing and improving literacy in children.    In retirement, he enjoyed extensive travel throughout the United States, Canada, Europe, and the Caribbean with his long-time companion, Ruth, with whom he shared a relationship of over 32 years.  He was an avid sports fan who spent over 15 years coaching football, baseball, and basketball for grades 5 and 6 at various schools and later enjoyed his annual tradition of taking his grandchildren to Red Sox and Patriots events.  His brother Duke would say he was a gentle man, but a tough guy, if you had asked anyone who played against him when he was a bone-crushing full-back at Roslindale High School in the 50s!   He will be remembered as a "good guy" who was humble, kind, optimistic, and always willing to lend a helping hand to those in need.  He strongly believed in the culture of service to one's community and others, as is so evident by the extraordinarily long list of his own volunteer and fundraising activities that spanned many decades.  He was an annual participant in the 26 mile Walk for Hunger for over 20 years, volunteered to help flood victims through the Mechuwana Mission Camp, and a Member of the Board for the Ryder Home in Plymouth.  At the Council on Aging he assisted as a Tax-Aide volunteer and delivered Meals on Wheels to shut-ins.  He volunteered over 5, 500 hours at the Jordan Hospital/Beth Israel Deaconess.   He was an organizer for Daffodil Days in Plymouth, a supporter of the DARE Program and he most recently helped to lead the Homeless Program in Plymouth at the Zion Lutheran Church, where he regularly volunteered for overnights at the temporary shelter.  Richard was a Veteran of the United States Army and served as a teacher in France.  A memorial service will be held in the Zion Lutheran Church, Plymouth on Saturday, July 8, 2017 at 10AM. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited.