Charles Richard Skidmore

Charles Richard Skidmore died October 13, 2024, at his home in Gillette, NJ. He was 80 years old.
Richard, the son of the late Elsie (Chigi) and Charles H. Skidmore, was born in Camden, NJ on December 4, 1943. He grew up in New Providence before moving with his new bride, Carol, to Gillette 52 years ago.
He was a graduate of New Providence High School and Lincoln Technical Institute. He worked as a Large Equipment Mechanic at Lucent Technologies for over 40 years before retiring in 2013. Though that was his main job, he was always working on everything from small engines to complex construction equipment. Richard loved driving and operating all sorts of vehicles and in his younger years, could be found working on his own and his family's cars or proudly riding his 1970 Triumph Bonneville 650 motorcycle.
Richard was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1961 and served for two years in Korea.
He was an avid reader of fiction and non-fiction, psychological thrillers, and humor.
Richard had a passion for cars, trucks, and heavy equipment and could fix just about anything in or outside the house. He loved the outdoors, especially this time of year when the leaves change color, and the air becomes crisp. He loved tending to his yard and especially splitting wood to heat his house through the winter. He enjoyed walks in the Great Swamp in Gillette, NJ and loved skiing, shooting pool, and roller skating.
Above all, he loved his time with his family and was always glowing when he was with them.
He was predeceased by his parents Elsie and Charles H. Skidmore, and his brother John Skidmore.
Richard is survived by his wife Carol (Goberis) Skidmore, his two sons: Justin Skidmore and his wife Sarah, and Craig Skidmore; his 2 daughters: Sarah and her husband Nathan Smith and Natalie and her husband Erik Gast; his brother James M. Skidmore and his wife Nancy. He is also survived by his six grandchildren Conner, Dylan, Noah, Kyle, Rachel and Sophie, his sister-in-law Susan Skidmore, and many nieces, nephews, and grandnieces and grandnephews.
A memorial service celebrating his life will be held on Saturday, October 26, 2024 at 12:00 PM at the Basking Ridge Presbyterian Church, 1 E. Oak Street, Basking Ridge, NJ with a reception to follow at the church. Cremation was private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to American Heart Association (https://www.heart.org/) or to Basking Ridge Presbyterian Church (https://brpc.org/donations-payments/). For more information and online condolences please visit valleymemorialfuneralhome.net