HAMPDEN – Donald Skinner, 83, passed away unexpectedly Jan. 5, 2010. He was born March 18, 1926, in Newark, Ill., to Tracy and Frieda Skinner. After graduating from high school, he served in the U.S. Navy in the Pacific Theatre during World War II. He worked as a marketing representative for NICOR Gas Co. in Illinois for 36 years, before retiring in 1987. In 2004 Don moved to Avalon Village, Hampden, with his wife, Mildred. Don was active in many community affairs throughout his life. He was instrumental in chartering a Veterans of Foreign Wars Post in Kendall County, Ill., and received the Distinguished Service Award. More recently, he was a member of the VFW post in Hampden. Don served as a volunteer firefighter, a Boy Scout troop leader, member of KE-DE-KA area council board of directors and was inducted into their Order of the Arrow. He was a member of the American Heart Association board in McHenry County, Ill., and served on the senior citizens committee in Crystal Lake, Ill. He was an active member and supporter of First Congregational Church, Crystal Lake, Ill., and later a member of First Congregational Church, Brewer. After having open-heart surgery in 1980, Don helped to organize a chapter of Mended Hearts, Inc. in Illinois, a support group for heart patients and their families. He was appointed director of the Midwest Region in 1984, elected president of the national organization during 1993-1995, and served on the board of directors for 12 years. He and Mildred were active starting new chapters of Mended Hearts, Inc., in various states and received numerous awards for their service. Don enjoyed his vegetable garden, golfing, fishing, spending time with family and friends, traveling, and greeting returning troops at Bangor International Airport. Don had many friends and he will be missed by all who knew him. He is survived by his wife, Mildred; stepchildren, John Faellaci of Michigan and his wife, Patricia, Jeffrey Faellaci of California and Janet Fairman of Maine and her husband, Randall; stepgrandchildren, Jared Faellaci of Alabama, Dean Faellaci of Michigan, Evelyn Fairman and Laura Fairman of Maine; and great-stepchildren, William, Madeline and Elizabeth Faellaci of Alabama. He is also survived by his sisters, Evelyn Lippold of Missouri and Norma Fitzer of Indiana; many nephews and nieces. He was predeceased by his parents; first wife, Alice Henry Skinner; brother, Robert Skinner; and sister, Geraldine Richardson. A celebration of Don’s life will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 23, at Hampden-Gilpatrick Funeral Home, 45 Western Ave., Hampden. Family and friends may visit 10 a.m. until the time of service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Mended Hearts, Inc., 7272 Greenville Ave., Dallas, TX 75231-4596; VFW National Children’s Home, 3573 South Waverly Road, Eaton Rapids, MI 48827; Whitcomb-Baker VFW Post 4633, P.O. Box 555, Hampden, ME 04444; or Brewer Community Food Pantry, 35 Church St., Brewer, ME 04412. Messages of condolence and memories may be shared through www.hampdengilpatrick.com.
DONALD E. SKINNER
