Robert E. Skelly

Robert E. Skelly, 71, of Hicksville, passed away peacefully in his sleep at home. Beloved husband of Evelyn, loving father to Lorraine and Robert, grandfather to Jillian and Jessica Obes, brother to Maureen and John. He was pre-deceased by his beloved parents John and Laura and his sister Laura Tracey.

Bob excelled at athletics. He started as a pitcher in High School where he famously pitched a no hitter. He would also play roller hockey in Hell's Kitchen which led to his love of Ice Hockey. He ended up as a defenseman for the N.Y. Greenleafs, a part of the N.Y. Rangers organization.

Bob attended St. John's University. His working career began as a Life Insurance underwriter for Allstate and he eventually became chief life insurance underwriter for a reinsurance company in Manhattan. He ultimately opened his own auto insurance agency with his wife Evelyn.

He was a true sportsman in every sense of the word. He played golf often with his father and one of his fondest memories is when they played and walked the Black Course at Bethpage. He loved to arrange party fishing boat trips with friends and family and was so proud when his daughter Lorraine caught the trophy fish on one trip. When he was in his 40's he joined Men's Senior Baseball League and started his own team the Hicksville Astros. He pitched the Championship game when the team went to Arizona.

Bob enjoyed playing guitar, singing and the arts. He had a child like joy for life and will be greatly missed.