Kenneth G. Skinner

Kenneth G. Skinner

On Aug. 8, 2006, the chair on the front porch sat empty under a beautiful moon and starry sky. Ken became one with the vast splendor that he marveled at each night. Though he passed on suddenly, all are thankful that his last days and hours were happy and typical of the way he lived life.

Ken was born in Clarksburg, W. Va., on July 20, 1936. He looked forward to his trips back home where he would enjoy time with his sister, Shirley, as well as other close relatives. His voyage from this world reunited him with mother, Leona; dear sister, Shirley; Grandpa Fred and Grandma Minnie.

``Join the Navy and see the World." And he did. Ken spent five years traveling the seas while in the Navy. He then joined on with B.F. Goodrich, working in the chemical facility, as well as devoting himself to being treasurer of his union.

In 1962, he married Gina. During their 44 years of marriage, they raised three children who were always the primary focus of their lives: Michelle, Mike, and Maureen. In any conversation, his children's names would come up as he sang praises about what each had done recently. Ken was also a faithful and loving grandfather to Courtney, Sidney, and Coree. He was proud of his granddaughters and always happy to see them.

Ken owned and operated Ken Skinner Photography. He became known in the Akron area for his impressive wedding photographs. A devoted worker, Ken would even develop the film in his home, where he created a darkroom. Years after retiring from the profession, he still enjoyed taking pictures of close family and friends. When asked to take pictures or film an event, Ken was there to do his job--willingly and selflessly.

Ken had many enjoyable nights in his "card club" gatherings. He looked forward to meeting with friends over a good game of cards and conversation.

Ken will be sincerely missed by his wife, Gina; his daughters, Michelle, (Michael), Maureen, and son, Mike, as well as his mother-in-law, Esther. He also leaves his granddaughters to treasure his life of goodness and decency, in addition to many good friends and caring neighbors, along with his darling dog, Maggie.

"What the heart gives away is never gone . . . It is kept in the hearts of others."

Funeral services will be held Saturday, 1 p.m., at the Kucko-Anthony-Kertesz Funeral Home, 95 W. Waterloo Rd., Rev. Scott Campbell officiating. Interment at Northlawn Memorial Gardens, where military services will be held. The family will receive friends Friday, 4 to 8 p.m., at the funeral home. Donations may be made to the American Heart Association. (Kucko-Anthony-Kertesz, 330-724-1281, www.kakfh.com) An Anthony Family Funeral Home