Kenneth Skidmore (Ken), 74, Davie, Florida passed away on Thursday, June 6, 2019 at Florida Medical Center.
Kenneth was born on December 30, 1944 in Danbury, Connecticut, son of Frank Hilton Skidmore SR and Natalie Elise (Van Keuren) Skidmore.
Kenneth was employed by IBM for 22 years as an Associate Computer Programmer. After leaving IBM in 1988 he had worked at various jobs until retiring in 2009. He was a Vietnam Era Veteran, having served in the US Army from 1963 to 1966. During his service he spent time in Korea and served with the 18th Airborne Corps "Sky Dragons" in the Dominican Republic, where he earned the Purple Heart. He also received the Cold War Commemorative Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, and a Good Conduct Medal. He was actively involved in Boy Scouting, both as a youth and an adult, having obtained his 65 year Veteran Award. He had been involved as Scout Master, Assistant Scout Master, and Committee Member for Troop 31 in Centerville, NY, and served as a Merit Badge Counselor for Rip Van Winkle Counsel and served on Staff at Camp Tri Mount for many years. He earned Wood Badge with 3 beads, and was awarded Silver Beaver, and District Award of Merit. He was a Vigil Order of the Arrow member of Half Moon Lodge #28, a Life Member of Centerville Fire Co., Charter Member of Diaz Memorial Ambulance, and an American Legion member. He was also a registered organ and tissue donor.
He is preceded in death by his wife Beverly (Donaldson) Skidmore, both his parents, his son in law Stephen J. Ferraro JR, and his in laws LeRoy and Ethel (Shortt) Donaldson.
He is survived by his children, Kenneth R Skidmore (Cindy), Bethanne Ferraro, Sean A. Skidmore (Maria), his twin brother Walter Skidmore (Kathy), his older brother Frank H. Skidmore Jr. (Elizabeth), his grandchildren Zachary David Battista, Nathaniel David Skidmore, and Alessandra Beverly Skidmore and many Nieces, Nephews, Uncles, Aunts, and Cousins. Kenneth's wishes were to be cremated and his ashes to be buried with his wife Beverly in NY. Buono Funeral Service, Inc will be arranging those services at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family has asked for donations to be made to either of the following: National COPD Foundation @ www.copdfoundation.org/Take-Action/Donate/Donate-Now.aspx , or The Rudy W. Numssen SR. Memorial Campership Fund @ Centerville Fire Company c/o Campership Memorial Fund 859 Saugerties-Woodstock Rd, Saugerties, NY 12477. Address for notification if needed is B. Ferraro 12506 SW 6th Court, Davie, FL 33325