Michael F. Skerry, Jr., 71

Michael Francis Skerry Jr., 71, of 23 Oakleigh Drive, formerly of Winnisquam, died Friday, January 20, 2012 at Beth Israel Hospital in Boston, Mass. after a brief illness.

He was born in Medford, Mass., the son of Michael F. Sr. and Simonette M. (VanDamme) Skerry. He was a graduate of Medford High School in Medford, Mass and also was a graduate of Wentworth Institute of Technology and Boston University. Michael worked for 31 years for Sylvania Lighting Corporation in Danvers, Mass., retiring as a Product Marketing Manager. He also served in the US Army Reserves for 30 years, retiring as Lieutenant Colonel. He was a part-time police officer for the town of Belmont, NH in the 1960’s and also served as a Belknap County Deputy Sherriff for over 30 years. Michael summered for a number of years at Lake Winnisquam. He loved to travel and was especially fond of his 1962 Willy’s Jeep.

He is survived by his wife of 17 years, Carol (Hurlbut) Skerry of Laconia, and cousins, including Tom Ryser and his wife Pat of Tewksbury, Mass, and Robert E. Skerry, Jr., of Medford, Mass.

Calling hours will be held from 4PM to 7PM on Wednesday, January 25, 2012 at the Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home, 164 Pleasant Street, Laconia, using the Carriage House entrance.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 12 Noon on Thursday, January 26, 2012 at St. Andre Bessette Parish –St. Joseph Church, 30 Church Street, Laconia, N.H. Burial will follow at 2PM at the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery in Boscawen.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Homes for Our Troops, 6 Main Street, Taunton, Mass. 02780.

Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 164 Pleasant Street, Laconia, N.H. is assisting the family with the arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial go to www.wilkinsonbeane.com.

– Information from www.wilkinsonbeane.com