Renee Olivia Skelton

Renee Olivia Skelton, a proud lifelong resident of Perth Amboy, New Jersey, passed away on October 21, 2025, at the age of 70 in Monmouth Junction NJ.
Renee was born on February 9, 1955, at Perth Amboy General Hospital to her loving parents Howard and Doris (nee Burns) Skelton. Renée's deep roots in her hometown shaped her lifelong devotion to the history, geography, and environment of her beloved New Jersey. She attended Perth Amboy's public schools - Number 8, Shull School, and Perth Amboy High School - before earning her Bachelor's degree in History and Geography with a minor in Cartography from Syracuse University. She went on to obtain a Master's degree in Journalism from New York University, specializing in print journalism.
Renee began her career at the Children's Television Workshop, the home of Sesame Street, where she worked as an Associate Editor for the show's children's magazine. She later brought her talents to the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), serving as a Senior Research Associate and Staff Writer, directing environmental research projects and writing about critical environmental issues.
Her love of writing, education, and the natural world eventually led her to a successful freelance career as a writer and editor. She contributed to many leading educational publishers, including Pearson, Houghton Mifflin, Harcourt, National Geographic Learning, and McGraw Hill Education. Her byline also appeared in children's magazines such as National Geographic Kids and Science World.
As an author, Renee combined her passions for science, history, and teaching young readers. Her works include Forecast Earth: The Story of Climate Scientist Inez Fung (National Geographic), A Kid's Guide to Exploring Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park (Scholastic), and Our Fifty States (Time for Kids), among others.
Despite her professional achievements, Renee's heart always belonged to Perth Amboy. She was an active member of her community, serving on the Perth Amboy Green Collaborative, and as a member - and past Chair - of the Perth Amboy Historic Preservation Commission. Her words grace the plaque in Perth Amboy City Council Chambers honoring Thomas Mundy Peterson, the first Black man to vote in the United States under the 15th Amendment.
Renee's life was defined by her curiosity, intelligence, humor, and deep sense of place. She was an advocate for New Jersey's history and environment, a generous mentor, and a loyal friend. Her legacy will continue to inspire all who share her love for learning and for the Garden State.
She was predeceased by her parents Howard and Doris (nee Burns) Skelton. She is survived by her first cousins Gail Skelton Cross, Ralph "Hunty" Skelton, Jr., Christine Kelley Bridges, Yvette Kelley, Denise Skelton Carter, Rebecca Kelley Corker, Allyce Kennerley, and Michelle Kelley Whipple. She will be deeply missed by her many loving family and friends.
Family and friends may visit at the Flynn and Son/Mitruska Funeral Home, 23 Ford Ave., Fords, NJ on Wednesday, October 29, 2025 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm and from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm. A funeral Service will be held at the funeral home at 6:00 pm. On Thursday, October 30, there will be a graveside service at Alpine Cemetery, Perth Amboy at 11:00 am.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Renee's name to:
Sierra Club –NJ Chapter https://www.sierraclub.org/newjersey
NY/NJ Baykeeper – Raritan Riverkeeper Program https://www.nynjbaykeeper.org/programs/raritan-riverkeeperprogram
Perth Amboy Public Library – Friends of the Perth Amboy Free Public Library https://www.folperthamboy.com/