Edmund J. Skinger

1929 - 2015

Edmund J. Skinger Died - Mar 17, 2015 NORWICH - Edmund J. Skinger, known to all as Eddie, passed away March 17, 2015 at home after a long battle with heart failure. Eddie was born in Willimantic, CT to Edward and Mary (Sadeski) Skinger. Eddie's mom died when he was very young, his father later re-married Anne Kolode. In 1950, Eddie married Sophie Rembowski. He was drafted into the Army in 1952 where he ultimately worked testing missiles at White Sands Proving Ground, New Mexico while stationed at Fort Bliss Texas. After discharge, Eddie and Sophie moved back to New Britain where he began work at Stanley Tools as a tool and die maker. Eddie left Stanley and was hired as a machine shop instructor at Norwich Tech in 1968 and the family relocated to Norwich that year. He continued his education, obtaining a Master's Degree and moving into the guidance office then blue print reading. He retired in 1989. However, the most important part of Eddie's life was music. The gifted Eddie Skinger had always been clear about his commitment to his vocation. Over the past 76 years, he became an accomplished and respected vocalist, musician, arranger and composer. Eddie became affectionately known as "The Platinum Voice" of Polkas. His contributions to the polka industry were acknowledged in 2001 when he was inducted into the International Polka Association Hall of Fame, a fitting cap to a long career. Throughout his polka career, Eddie earned many friends and supporters. But his number one has always been his loving wife Sophie. Eddie leaves behind his wife Sophie; son Paul (Patty) Skinger of Greeley, Colorado; daughter Marie Skinger of Sterling; granddaughter Danelle Skinger of Glendale, Arizona; grandson Ben Skinger of Fort Collins, Colorado; sister Leona Gowac of Moodus; brother John Skinger of Bristol; and numerous nieces, nephews, other family and friends. There will be a wake Sunday March 22 from 3-6 P.M. at Woyasz & Son Funeral Home in Norwich. A Funeral Mass will be Monday March 23 at 10 A.M. at St. Patrick's Cathedral in Norwich, meeting directly at church. There will be a military honors ceremony outside the church immediately after the service. In lieu of flowers, please send contributions to either Center for Hospice Care in Norwich or the American Heart Association. Please visit Woyaszandson.com to leave an online condolence.