Gerald Paul Skettino

 Gerald “Jerry” Skettino, 77, of Louisville, KY, formerly of Dunmore, PA, died on September 5th at the University of Louisville Hospital after a courageous battle with acute myeloid leukemia. He was the husband of Marilyn (Falzone) Skettino. Jerry and Marilyn grew up as next-door neighbors on Webster Drive, with close-knit families, and were fortunate to have a loving marriage of nearly five decades, as they would have celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in January.

Born in Scranton, Jerry was the son of the late Frank Skettino and Mary Ann (Rogers) Skettino. He attended Central High School, San Diego State University, and The University of Rhode Island, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology with a concentration in gerontology. He was a Navy veteran of the Vietnam War serving between 1965 and 1969.

Jerry had a long career in gerontology and aging services, including working for United Neighborhood Centers, Telespond Senior Services, Meals on Wheels, and serving as Executive Director of the Lackawanna County Area Agency on Aging. He worked tirelessly to improve the quality of life for senior citizens, and often traveled to Harrisburg to get state legislation passed to benefit seniors. A lifelong learner with a passion for higher education, Jerry spent the second half of his career working for Penn Foster in Scranton.

In his retirement, he continued to be an advocate for seniors, serving as President of the Board of the Dunmore Senior Center, and as a member of the Advisory Board of the Lackawanna County Area Agency on Aging.

Jerry was a beloved member of his large Italian family, who he kept endlessly entertained at holiday gatherings. He loved bringing people together, hosting, cooking, and telling family stories. His Scottish heritage was also very important to him, and he was known to don a kilt and join in a rousing rendition of “Scotland the Brave”.

An avid supporter of the arts, Jerry loved seeing the local orchestra, live music, and theater, including his daughter’s dance performances. He was a philosophical thinker, a gifted orator, quick-witted and sharp, with a joy for life that inspired those around him. In recent years, he cherished his time spent with his granddaughter, Isla, always delighting in her stories and finding new ways to make her laugh.

In addition to his wife, Jerry is survived by his three children: Katie Kasari and husband Chris, Louisville, KY, Elizabeth Skettino, Atlanta, GA, and Frank Skettino and partner Katie Frederick, Chicago, IL. He is also survived by his beloved granddaughter, Isla Kasari, two sisters, Frances Kavulich and Isabelle Nealon, many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by brothers-in-law Donald Kavulich and J. Herbert Nealon. 

A service will be held in Pennsylvania at a later date. Charitable donations may be made to The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society