Kenneth E. Skelly

AUSTINTOWN - Kenneth E. Skelly, 81, of Crabwood Drive, passed away peacefully Friday evening, Nov. 13, 2015, at his home.

Kenneth was born June 9, 1934, in Millersburg, a son of the late Ralph and Alice Skelly, was raised by his father and stepmother, Mary, and came to Youngstown at the age of 20.

He was a 1954 graduate of Millersburg High School and worked for the Wonder Bread Bakery on Mahoning Avenue in Youngstown. Ken also worked for Youngstown Sheet & Tube, and he was an electrician for Boyd Electric in Warren for 25 years.

With his experience as an electrician, Ken installed the lighting at Libby Field in Austintown, which was one of the area’s first ballparks to have outdoor lights.

Mr. Skelly was a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Austintown, where he was a member of the Mens’ Renewal Group.

Affectionately known as “the mayor of Crabwood Drive,” Ken enjoyed golf, trips to Las Vegas, rooting for the Ohio State Buckeyes and Cleveland Indians, and being with family and friends.

Ken’s beloved wife of 42 years, Betty J. King Skelly, whom he married June 9, 1956, passed away, Oct. 15, 1998.

Ken leaves three sons, Michael (Judy) Skelly of Austintown, David (Valerie) Skelly of Stow, and Steven (Julie) Skelly of Austintown; his grandson, Ryan Skelly (fiancé Kate Ferree), his granddaughter, Madison Skelly; a sister, Barbara Harding of Millersburg; and his lady friend, Pauline Cotter of Canfield.

Besides his wife, 11 siblings are deceased.

Family and friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m., Monday, Nov. 16, at Kinnick Funeral Home, 477 North Meridian Road, Youngstown, and from 10 to 11 a.m., Tuesday, Nov. 17, at the funeral home.

Funeral services will begin at 11 a.m., Tuesday at the funeral home, and will continue at 11:30 a.m. with a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church on Norquest Boulevard in Austintown.

Committal services will follow at Calvary Cemetery, where Ken will be laid to rest next to his wife.