Larry “Ladislav” Frank Skala died peacefully at home on Nov. 3, 2023 after a short bout with an extremely aggressive lung cancer.
He was born on July 22, 1936 in Queens, New York, the son of Joseph and Agnes (Stuchlik) Skala and grew up in Rockland County, New York. He graduated from Farmingdale State College, SUNY in Farmingdale, New York after which he proudly served in the United States Army. He worked for 31 years at Phillips Research Labs in Briarcliff, New York.
He leaves behind his loving wife of 26 years, Ruth Rose Skala, as well as his daughter, Donna Gelormino and husband Phil of Monroe, New York, his son, Stephen Skala and wife Patti of Nanuet, New York, and his four stepchildren, Colin, Jennifer, Melanie, Geoffrey. He leaves four grandchildren, Kristen and Philip Gelormino, Abbie and Keira Skala, step grandsons, Jacob and Cooper as well as his two nieces and many cousins and of course his devoted dog, Gus. He was predeceased by his older brother, Joseph Skala.
After retirement, Larry and Ruth lived in North Carolina, Bridgeville then finally moving to the Southgate Community in Shrewsbury, Massachusetts. Larry will always be remembered for his love for life and people, his quick wit and his skilled accordion playing as well as his delicious cooking and bountiful gardening. As an avid sports fan Larry devoted many hours to either playing or watching baseball. He brought a special joy to all that knew him.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to The Bridgeville Lions Club, P.O. Box 414, Bridgeville, DE 19933 or The Southgate Residents’ Appreciation Fund c/o Residents Council Treasurer, 30 Julio Dr., Shrewsbury, MA 01545.
A Funeral Mass celebrating his life was held on Thursday, Nov. 9. Burial with Military honors was held Friday, Nov. 10 at the Kensico Cemetery, Valhalla, New York.