Michael S. Skaff

Skaff, Michael S. Age 73. June 18, 2010 Michael S. Skaff, Ph.D. was born in Boston, Massachusetts. The son of Samuel and Mary Skaff, he was raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where he was a graduate of Ottawa Hills High School. He received a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Michigan and a Master of Science degree from the University of Illinois. While at the University of Illinois, he taught and was a Research Assistant. He was also a Research Assistant at UCLA, where he received his Ph.D. in Mathematics in the field of Functional Analysis. Dr. Skaff began his career as a Computer Engineer at Douglas Aircraft, and then worked at Hughes Aircraft as a Senior Staff Mathematician for the unmanned space program. His team's work was integral to the success of the Mercury Program, the first manned U.S. space program. Dr. Skaff was a Professor of Mathematics and Computer Science at the University of Detroit Mercy for over 42 years. During his tenure at the University of Detroit Mercy, he served as Department Chair and was twice named "Mathematics Teacher Of The Year." In addition to teaching, he was a consultant, lecturer, and computer programmer for education, business and industry. For many years, he taught a course at the Lincoln Institute Of Land Policy on the campus of Harvard University. In addition, he was founder and President of Micro Science, Inc., a consulting and software business that served over one hundred municipalities throughout Michigan. He was a member of the American Mathematical Society and the Mathematical Association of America. He published over 35 papers, including articles in such scholarly publications as the Pacific Journals of Mathematics and the Assessor's Journal, and continued working on leading edge research projects with his UDM colleagues. During his 42 years as a resident of Grosse Pointe Woods, Michigan, he was involved in many community activities. He was a member of the City of Grosse Pointe Woods Community Tree Commission, during which time he served as Vice Chair of the Commission, and he participated in the annual Arbor Week program to the community's third graders. He was instrumental in publishing a first time publication informing residents of the different trees within the City and its parks. In 2004, the Metro East Chamber of Commerce named him "Volunteer of the Year." In the same year, in recognition of the passionate dedication and commendable service that he devoted to the Grosse Pointe Woods community, Mayor Robert Novitke declared Saturday, December 11, 2004 to be "Michael Skaff, Ph.D. Day" in the City of Grosse Pointe Woods. He was a member of the Detroit Athletic Club, where he treasured Tuesday evenings with his bowling league. He was also a former member of the Lochmoor Club. As a lifelong mathematician, Dr. Skaff became interested in the game of craps, authoring two books and presenting tutorials on the subject in the community and throughout the Internet. He was a devoted and active member of St. Michael's Episcopal Church in Grosse Pointe Woods, where he served as head Usher for thirty years. Dr. Skaff was an avid runner, completing over 25 marathons, including the Detroit, Chicago, Orlando, and Honolulu Marathons. He loved Tiger baseball, Red Wing hockey, UCLA basketball, the Old West, tending to his Koi/goldfish pond and flower garden, and any activity involving his grandchildren. Dr. Skaff is survived by his beloved wife, Carolyn, and their children, Michael (Mary), David (Bridgette), and Kristen. He is also survived by his grandchildren Evan, Morgan, Jessica, and Sara Skaff. In addition, he is survived by his sister Sheila (Paul) Joseph of Feeding Hills, Massachusetts and many nieces and nephews. Visitation will be at A.H. Peters Funeral Home, 20705 Mack Avenue at Vernier Road Grosse Pointe Woods on Monday, June 21, 2010 from 2:00 pm to 8:00 pm. A short Trisagion service will be held at 5:00 pm. The funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on Tuesday June 22, 2010 at St. Michael's Episcopal Church, 20475 Sunningdale Park in Grosse Pointe Woods. 48236 In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to any of the following: St. Michael's Episcopal Church, St. George Orthodox Church, 334 LaGrave Ave, S.E., Grand Rapids, MI 49503; and to Carolyn Skaff (to be contributed towards the establishment of a mathematics scholarship at the University of Detroit Mercy)

Funeral Home:

A. H. Peters Funeral Home of Grosse Pointe

20705 Mack Avenue

Grosse Pointe Woods, MI

US 48236