Edward D. Skinger (Skindzier), a lifelong resident of Ambridge, Pa., died January 30, 2014 at Pennsylvania Soldiers and Sailors in Erie, Pa. Mr Skinger moved to Erie in 2008 to be near family, he was 96 years old. Edward was born to the late Anna (Lapinki) and Frank Skindzier Sr. on October 26, 1917 in Pittsburgh, Pa. Edward graduated first in his class from Ambridge High School in 1937. He attended Robert Morris College for two years for Business
Accounting.
He served in the United States Army from 1942 to 1946 as a Corporal in the 197th General Hospital Company as part of the European Theatre. He was awarded a Battle Star. He owned and operated Skinger Plastering in Ambridge for over 50 years. Mr. Skinger was a lifelong member of Good Samaritan (St. Stanislaus) Church. Where he was an alter server and attended grade school. He was a life time member of The American Legion Post 341
Ambridge; life time member and past Commander of the Ambridge VFW Post 1365; member of the Polish Falcons Nest 182 of Ambridge and a member of Operative Plaster and Cement Mason Local 056.
Mr. Skinger was a faithful supporter of the Arts. He enjoyed playing the violin since the age of 16. He was a member of many bowling teams in Beaver County and was an avid fund raiser in his younger days. Following his retirement, Mr. Skinger enjoyed spending the winter months in Florida and doing volunteer work. Mr. Skinger shared his talent of plastering with hundreds of school children in Beaver County. He was known as the “hand-print man” as he shared plaster craft in local schools. He also made and donated over 200 American Eagles made of plaster to families of deceased veterans in the Ambridge area.
He is survived by Nieces: Mary Ann Matlock (Mr. Skinger’s caretaker) and her husband, Bill of Erie, Pa., Margaret Lucas, West Miflin, Pa., Dolores Stead (Mike), Rochester, Pa., Cindy Dummich, Savannah Ga., Cheryl Iberger (Greg), Schenectady, NY., Karen Picard (John), Swan Lake, NY., Lisa Skinger, New Windsor, NY. Nephews: Dennis Mclaughlin (Cathy), Conway, Pa., Frank Sharpless (Barbara), Santa Fe, NM., Frank Skinger III (Gloria), Ferndale, NY., Paul Skinger, NY., and numerous great nieces and nephews. Mr Skinger is also survived by step daughters: Dolores Glagolis, Baden, Pa., and Marsha Zellen, Rockville, Md. Mr. Skinger is further survived by his longtime friend Joe Nenadovich, Ambridge, Pa.
ion to his parents, he was preceeded in death by his wife Mary Smuch Skinger and brothers Joseph Skinger and Frand Skinger Jr. and sisters Frances Mclaughlin and Mary Sharpless Pavalos and a nephew Raymond
Skindzier. We would like to thank all of Mr. Skinger’s providers for the quality care he received in his later years. Concordia Home Health Services (Shannon Pfeuffer), Elderberry Court Staff, Pennsylvania Soldiers and Sailors Home Staff of Erie and his personal aide Carrie Glas.
Friends will be received 2-6 pm Monday at the Kasper-Hahn Funeral & Cremation Services, Inc. 547 8th St. Ambridge, Pa 15003, 724-266-2549. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Tuesday at 11 a.m. at Good Samaritan Church. Internment with full military honors will be at Sylvania Hills Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Good Samaritan Church, 725 Glenwood Ave. Ambridge, Pa 15003 or Pennsylvania Soldiers and Sailors Home of Erie Activity Fund, 560 E. 3rd St. Erie, Pa 16507.