William H. Skerritt

Troy - William H. Skerritt, 71, died suddenly Sunday, September 17, 2017, at Samaritan Hospital Troy.

Born in Wilmington, DE, he was the son of  Harry Skerritt and Ruth Chrisman Skerritt. He was the beloved husband and best friend of Joanne  Johnson Skerritt during their marriage of 34 years. He was raised in Framingham and resided in Troy most of his life. He  was a graduate of Framingham, MA High School and earned his Bachelor's degree from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, class of 1970. 

Bill was a supervisor for the Materials Bureau of the New York State Department of Transportation for 37 1/2 years, retiring in 2012. He was currently a consultant for Chesner Engineering, PC  in Long Beach, NY.

An active community leader, he was President of the Board of Directors of the Hudson Mohawk Industrial Gateway, on the Board of the Arts Center of the Capital Region, a lifelong lover of antiques, and collector, scholar and author of several books on scientific instruments, especially W&LE Gurley and others made in Troy.  He authored 3 books including the Charles E. Smart Collection, Antique Surveying Instruments, Troy As I See It and co-authored The Great Fire of Troy by Porter, Skerritt and Leroy.  He was a well-known artist, exhibiting his works at the International Print Center in New York, Etchers Society NY, Hutson Gallery Provincetown, the Arts Center of the Capital Region, the Sand Lake Center for the Arts and thoughout the United States. Bill combined science and art with the romance of history and decay and produced a huge body of work in a wide range of materials.

Survivors in addition to his wife include two sons, Shannon (Alicia) Skerritt, Portland, OR and  Corey (Mary) Skerritt, Wilmington, NC; a step son, Kory (Michelle) Weaver, Averill Park and 5 grandchildren.

A memorial celebration will be held at Pat's Barn on Sunday , November 5th from 1:00-4:00. At 2:00 PM with hors d'oeuvres and beverages served from 1-4PM by Nicole's Catering Service.  Friends , loved ones and colleagues will present memories , stories and tributes . The opportunity to record a video memory will take place from 2:00-4:00 PM. Light refreshments will be served. Adults only please.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in memory of William H. Skerritt to the Hudson Mohawk Industrial Gateway 1 E Industrial Pkwy Troy, NY 12180 or Hope 7 Community Center 596 Pawling Ave Troy, NY 12180.
 

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