Edmund Joseph Skelly Jr.

Born on November 7, 1950, to Edmund and Elizabeth Skelly in Hyde Park, NY, he graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1969 and attended Dutchess Community College.

In 1971, he began his active duty in the U.S. Navy; he did a tour in Viet Nam in 1972 aboard the U.S. Monticello. During his 10 years of service (E-6/EN-1), he was stationed at Assault Craft Unit-1 in Coronado, CA; at Naval Operations Base in Norfolk, VA; and then worked for the Department of Defense for one year as a Marine Equipment Mechanic in Norfolk, VA. In 1981, he began his tenure with Dominion Virginia Power in the System Maintenance Support Division, traveling where needed. After 33 years of service, Ed retired from Dominion Virginia Power as a Quality Assurance Supervisor at Surry Power Plant in 2014.

In his earlier years, Ed and his family were very involved in the Pacers Drum Corp of Poughkeepsie, NY. He played a French horn, attending parades and competitions. Throughout his life, he was the “miracle” mechanic sought after by many family and friends. He was also known as “Chef Ed” (that fabulous talent surfaced in his later years!); his signature dish was a Spanish Paella. Ed had an exceptional long-term memory and a quick-witted sense of humor. This amazing husband, father and grandfather will be sorely missed.

Ed was preceded in death by his daughter, Sarah Keatley. He is survived by his wife and best friend of 51 years, Gail Skelly; daughter, Dannette Yuiska (Will); sister, Mary D’Angelo (Drew); grandchildren, Carter, Cassie, Abbigail, Lillian, Vivian, and Cecelia; niece, Nichole D’Angelo; great niece, Makayla; and many extended relatives.

Heartfelt thanks to Daughter Dannette for her PA medical expertise; super friends, Merf and Angie Heist; Father Anthony Ferguson and Deacon Bill and Joyce Westerman of St. Bede; the ICU team at Sentara; and the staff at Virginia Oncology Association.

A Catholic Mass with military honors will be celebrated at St. Bede Church on Friday, June 7, 2024 at 12 Noon. A Celebration of Life will follow at St. Bede’s Kaplan Hall.