Donald Skaarup

TROY Donald Skaarup, 79, of Troy, beloved husband of Helena (Dooley) Skaarup entered into eternal rest Monday, March 22, 2004 at home with his family at his bedside, after a long and valiant battle with cancer. Born on October 6, 1924, he was the son of the late Nelson and Florence (Deegan) Skaarup. Mr. Skaarup was a decorated World War II Combat Infantry veteran in the United States Army and was honorably discharged in 1945. He served in campaigns in North Africa, Sicily, Anzio, Southern France and the Battle of the Bulge. He was bestowed the Bronze Star with Valor, the Purple Heart with Star, the American Order of the French Croix DeGuerre, French Liberation Medal, the World War II Victory Medal, Four Battle Stars, Good Conduct Medal, Combat Infantry Badge, the New York State Conspicuous Service Cross and numerous campaign medals. He was a retired member of the International Union of the Operating Engineers, Local #106 Albany, N.Y., where he had been a member for over 50 years. He was a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans and Veterans of Lansingburgh, where he served as vice president for the past 15 years. He was a devoted father of Donald (Barbara) Skaarup; father-in-law of Cathy P. Hunt; grandfather of Matthew, Kristen (Jeremy) Fiscaletti, Rachel and Laura Skaarup. Brother of Florence Ganey and Marie Hotte. Predeceased by brothers, Gordon, Nelson, Raymond, Norman and Charles Skaarup and sisters, Gladys Haight, Evelyn Martin and Joan Chris. He was also predeceased by his beloved great-grandson, Kai Atticus Skaarup. The Skaarup family would like to thank the Stratton V.A. Hospital and staff, especially Dr. Donald Pasquale and nurses, Monica Velardi, Kathy France, Amy Jackson, and Alice Truscott for their continuous care and compassion. He had graciously donated his body to the Anatomical Gift Program at Albany Medical College and will be interred in Saratoga National Cemetery. There will be no funeral services. Friends and family are invited to attend a memorial ceremony to be held at the Veterans of Lansingburgh, 777 1st Ave., North Troy, Sunday, March 28 at 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the American Cancer Society.