Cover photo for Donald M. Skillins's Obituary
Donald M. Skillins Profile Photo
1934 Donald 2022

Donald M. Skillins

May 5, 1934 — June 21, 2022

Hooksett

 

               Donald Merle “Skill” Skillins, 88, of Hooksett, NH died June 21, 2022 after a long illness, surrounded by his family.

               Born in Presque Isle, ME on May 5, 1934, he was the son of Bernard and Edna (Goding) Skillins. 

Donald grew up in Whitinsville, MA.  After graduating from Northbridge High School in 1952, he enlisted in the US Navy, where he trained new pilots using flight simulators.  After an honorable discharge in 1956, Donald went to work for Sanders Associates (now BAE Systems), moving the family to Nashua, NH.  Donald retired from Sanders after 35 years, after becoming a Certified Professional Logistician, and a member of the Society of Logistics Engineers.

               Over the course of his life, Donald enjoyed a variety of outdoor activities-hiking in the White Mountains, sailing, power-boating, or sitting by the beach.  After retirement, Donald learned to make beautiful Nantucket baskets which were prized gifts.  Donald and Bobbie spent many winters in Navarre, Florida in their retirement.  Donald will be remembered as a gentleman, a dedicated family man, fun to be around, and always quick with a joke.

Donald was predeceased by his sister, Roberta Wilson.

               Family members include his beloved wife of 67 years, Roberta (Andersen) Skillins of Hooksett; his children, Douglas B. Skillins and wife Karen of Brookline, MA, David C. Skillins and wife Elaine of Uxbridge, MA, Fay E. Burns and husband Gary of Weare, NH, and Ann E. Tibbetts and husband Michael of Lewiston, ME; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

               There are no calling hours.  A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on July 1st at 11 am in All Saints Anglican Church, Concord.  Burial with military honors will follow in the NH State Veterans Cemetery, Boscawen.

               In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to Dana Farber’s Jimmy Fund Clinic, 450 Brookline Ave, Boston, MA 02215 or to the charity of one’s choice.

               To send an online message of condolence, please go to www.lambertfuneralhome.com.    

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Donald M. Skillins, please visit our flower store.

Service Schedule

Past Services

Funeral Service

Friday, July 1, 2022

11:00am - 12:00 pm (Eastern time)

Lambert Funeral Home & Crematory

1799 Elm Street, Manchester, NH 03104

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