Robert Gale Skinner, Formerly of Water Mill, Dies October 4

Robert Gale Skinner, formerly of Water Mill, died peacefully on October 4, at his home, surrounded by his loving family. He was 94.

He was born on November 15, 1929, in Dracut, Massachusetts, to the late Frederick Skinner and Zelma Richardson Skinner.

He was a graduate of Milford Central School District in New Hampshire. He furthered his education at the University of New Hampshire, where he earned his bachelor’s degree, followed by Michigan State University for his master’s degree, and ultimately Ohio University, where he completed his Ph.D. Amidst his educational pursuits, he proudly served his country in the U.S. Army from 1953 to 1955.

Skinner had an extraordinary career in the arts, beginning as a set designer for the Charles Playhouse in Boston and continuing as an art professor at the University of Rhode Island, Ohio University, and Southampton College of Long Island University. He retired in 1996 as a professor emeritus.

Beyond teaching, he was a talented creator of three-dimensional sculptures, a designer, a fine art appraiser, an art collector, and an antique dealer. His works are featured in private collections across Pennsylvania, New York City, Long Island and Upstate New York. A collector of antique tools, he often integrated them into his art, and he also had a passion for Native American art and artifacts.

He will be remembered as a true gentleman who viewed the world through the eyes of an artist. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He and his wife of 50 years, Elizabeth, traveled extensively across the United States and Western Europe, sharing a life filled with adventure and creativity.

He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Skinner; daughters, Rebecca Skinner of San Francisco, Tracy Stowell of Saratoga Springs, and Katherine Skinner (Paul Clapp) of Beaufort, South Carolina; niece, Michele Ainsworth; grandchildren, Zachary and Kaley Kerr, Uddhava and Celena Stowell, Abigale and Katherine Skinner; and many friends. He was predeceased by his parents, Frederick and Zelma Skinner; and his sister, Joanne Ainsworth.

A celebration of his life will be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory can be made to Fort Salem Theater in Salem, New York (fortsalem.com), or the Kennedy Willis Center for Down Syndrome (pathfindervillage.org).

Arrangements are under the direction of Compassionate Funeral Care in Saratoga Springs. Condolences may be shared at compassionatefuneralcare.com.