Raymond A. Skelly, retired specialty welder

Skelly

Raymond "Ray" A. Skelly, 68, of North Carolina, formerly of Snyder, a retired specialty welder after 28 years with Westinghouse Corporation, died Monday, July 2, 2007.

Born in Scranton, Penn., he graduated from Amherst Central High School in 1957. He then served with the U.S. Navy.

For many years, Mr. Skelly also donated plasma at Roswell Park Cancer Institute.

Mr. Skelly and his wife moved to Hillsborough, N.C. in 1994. He enjoyed working with her on research projects at the University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill.

Mr. Skelly is survived by his wife of 44 years, Anne H.; two daughters, Lisa of Stratford, Conn. and Kim Sachar of Denver, Colo.; his mother, Ellen L. of Port St. Lucie, Fla.; two sisters, Eloise Gardner of Clarence Center and Susan Kuveke of Bradenton, Fla. and two grandchildren.

A foundation is currently being created in honor of Mr. Skelly with the purpose of raising awareness of mesothelioma, which he died of, and other asbestos related cancers.

A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held on Aug. 10 in Hillsborough, N.C.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Ray Skelly Memorial Fund, c/o Kimberly Sachar, 2590 S. Saint Paul St., Denver, Colo. 80210.