Obituary of Richard J. Skene

Richard James Skene, of Shelton, CT, died peacefully in his home in the early hours of May 6th, with his wife Carolyn and his family at his side. He was 83. Born in Kensington, CT, in 1931, Richard was one of seven children of William and Julia Skene. Richard often spoke fondly of his early years on the family farm. Later, the family lived on Wood Avenue in Stratford, where Richard attended Stratford High School (class of '49) and was a running back on the school's football team. Richard attended Cornell University and received a Master's degree in Engineering from the University of Bridgeport. For most of his career, Richard worked as a reliability engineer at Avco Lycoming and Sikorsky Aircraft. In the late 1950s, Richard won a dance lesson at Arthur Murray Dance Studios, where he met and later married Carolyn Preedom, of Rutland, VT. They went on to have seven children and six grandchildren. Richard and Carolyn continued to teach and enjoy ballroom dancing throughout their nearly 57 years of marriage. In his later years, Richard lived with Alzheimer's disease. Even as his mind and memory began to fade, Richard's amazing heart continued to shine through. He was a devoted husband, a loving father, and a doting grandfather. His wit never ceased to sparkle, and his integrity and generosity were constant. He continued to dance to the very end of his life. The family is tremendously grateful to Richard's health aide Dionne Forbes, whose dedication and loyalty during his illness was a source of so much comfort and inspiration. Heartfelt appreciation is also extended to the many home health aides, physicians, medical staff, and hospice workers who helped give Richard the comfort, care, and dignity he deserved in his final years. Richard is survived by his wife Carolyn, his children Brian Skene, Debra Reale and husband Mark , Susan Thees and husband Paul, Laurie Grosso and husband John, and Craig Skene and wife Christy; grandchildren Cynthia Wells, Jacob and Alyssa Grosso, Julia and Luke Thees and RJ Reale; and siblings Maryellen Pinto and husband Al, Lois McDonald and husband Ed and Gerald Skene. He also leaves behind his brother-in-law Jim Miller, and sister-in-laws Judith and Betty Skene. He is preceded in death by his sons Kevin and David, and siblings Billy and Robert Skene and Margaret Miller. To the innumerable friends of Dick Skene: you know who you are, and he loved every one of you. Friends can greet the family on Monday, May 11, 2015 from 3-6 p.m. at the Abriola Parkview Funeral Home, 419 White Plains Road, Trumbull. A prayer service will take place on Monday night at 6:00 p.m. in the funeral home with a later interment at the family's convenience. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully suggests that donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association, 200 Executive Blvd., Southington, CT 06489, the American Heart Association, 5 Brookside Dr., P. O. Box 5022, Wallingford, CT 06492 and/or Connecticut Hospice Home Care, 2 Trap Falls Rd., Suite 408, Shelton, CT 06484.