Obituary of John R. Skelton Jr.

John Ruxin Skelton Jr. of Wurtsboro passed away on December 7, 2020 at the Garnet Health Medical Center in Middletown.  He was 90.

The son of the late John R. Skelton Sr. and Ethel M. Queen Skelton, he was born September 15, 1930 in Middletown.

As a young man, he joined the Boy Scouts and attained the highest level, Eagle Scout. John was a Captain in the United States Air Force.  A Korean War veteran, he was stationed on the island of Kumishima and was a navigator on a B-47 jet. After coming home, he was stationed in Topeka, Kansas where he met his future wife Patricia.  They had four children and eight grandchildren which were his greatest joy in life.

John worked for the Western Union Telegraph Company his entire career.  His job took him around the country, starting in Seattle, and continuing through Los Angeles, San Francisco, Portland, Tulsa, Boston, Washington DC and New York.  When John retired, he and Pat moved to his favorite place, Yankee Lake.  They spent many years there enjoying the lake, friends and family.

Survivors include two sons: Matthew Skelton (Róisín O’Sullivan) and John Skelton (Heidi); two daughters: Julie Audi (Robert) and Susie Skelton; and eight grandchildren: Alex, Kristin, Matthew, Josette, Sierra, Cheyenne, Maeve and Niamh. He was predeceased by his wife of 65 years: Patricia M. Johnson Skelton; and a sister: Barbara Kertis.

Due to the current health crisis the visitation will be for immediate family only.  We will have a separate event to honor John’s life in the spring. Please send a message to yankeelake@outlook.com and we will send you information on the event.
 

Memorial contributions can be made to www.woundedwarriorproject.com

Arrangements under the direction of the VanInwegen-Kenny, Inc. Funeral Home of Wurtsboro. For additional information or to send an online condolence, please visit www.kennyfuneralhome.com .