Obituary of James Skellan

James “Jimmy” Skellan,59, of the City of Poughkeepsie, died Saturday Jan. 24, 2009 at Vassar Brothers Medical Center in Poughkeepsie. Mr. Skellan worked for the Public Works Department of City of Poughkeepsie. Born December 21, 1949 in Pontiac, MI. He was the Son of Harold and Katherine Gillen Skellan. He graduated from St Mary’s elementary school of Poughkeepsie and Poughkeepsie High School Class of 1968 graduate. On September 29, 2008 in Poughkeepsie, he married long time companion Kathi Engel Morabito. Mrs. Skellan Survives at home. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his stepson, Michael Morabito, at home; four sisters whom he loved and cared for and included them in all he did in life. Elizabeth Martin, City of Poughkeepsie, Rose and George Bolde, Pleasant Valley, Maureen and Michael Hawkins,Pam Skellan, all of City of Poughkeepsie; and his nephew Ryan Skellan, whom he helped raise and always held a special place in his heart. Also surviving are his Father and Mother in laws Hale and Paula Engel and his brother in law Peter Engel all of Hopewell Junction. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews. Jimmy was noted for his outstanding contributions to sports and recreation in Dutchess County by being inducted into the Dutchess County Sports Museum Hall of Fame in October 2000. He coached both girls softball and was recognized for his long time dedication to the City of Poughkeepsie Little League, coaching, umpiring and caring for the fields at Spratt Park since 1988. In 1994 he coached the allstar team to the District 17 Little League Championship and 1995 District 17 Junior League Championship. Jimmy was also an avid pool player and bowler, bowling in various local leagues and bowling perfect games on more than one occasion. Calling hours will be from 3-8 pm, Tuesday, January 27, 2009 at Timothy P. Doyle Funeral Home, 371 Hooker Avenue, Poughkeepsie, NY. A Funeral Mass will be Wednesday 10am, January 28, 2009 at St. Martin de Porres, Cedar Valley Road,Poughkeepsie,NY. Burial will be at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to “Friends of Jimmy” c/o 37 Alden Road, Poughkeepsie, NY 12603. This is to complete the dream that Jimmy had to erect a mural at Spratt Park Little League Fields.