In Memoriam: Richard Skidmore, 81, U.S. Air Force

Richard M. Skidmore, age 81 of Newtown, beloved husband of Jennifer (Slocum) Skidmore died on Sunday March 10th at Danbury Hospital. They were married November 24 1979.

Born in Danbury November 4, 1931, he was the son of the late Evelyn (Ackridge) and George Skidmore. Dick attended Danbury Schools and graduated from Danbury High School, class of 1950. He also attended Western Connecticut State University and Mercy College, White Plains, NY. Mr. Skidmore served in the U.S. Air Force from 1951-1954 with service in Japan and Korea. Dick was active in sports and played baseball in school, Air Force and local leagues; football in school and Air Force; baseball in the American Legion and local leagues, and softball in Air Force and local leagues. While in the Air Force, he played softball with Long Beach AFB team that beat, then undefeated and nationally prominent, Douglas Aircraft. He belonged to the VFW and American Legion and coached the VFW Brewster New York Junior League team to first place. Dick was involved in several conservation groups and friend of the Newtown Congregational Church.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by a daughter, Cindy Gertig, and grandchildren Erich, Scott, and Amy, all of Brewster, NY and a stepson, Albert F. Van Vlack, Jr. and step grandchildren Matthew and Jessica, all of Collegeville, PA. A Graveside service with military honors will be held Thursday March 14th at 11:00am in Elmwood Cemetery, Bethel. There are no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Nature Conservancy, CT Field Office, 55 Church Street, New Haven, CT 06510

(860) 344-0716 www.nature.org Arrangements are in care of the Honan Funeral Home, 58 Main Street, Newtown. To leave online condolences go to www.honanfh.com

Obituary courtesy of Honan Funeral Home.