Steven Skeates

OXFORD – Steven A. Skeates, 62, died suddenly on Tuesday, June 5, 2018. He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Nancy J. (MacPherson) Skeates of Oxford; three children, Marissa A. Skeates and her partner, Glenn Cairns, of Worcester, Miranda J. Jandrow and her husband, Michael, of Oxford, and Andrew C. Skeates and his wife, Courtney, of Oxford; five grandchildren, Courtney Thacker, Addisyn Skeates, Noel Steven Jandrow, Alexander Skeates, and Mya Skeates; a brother, David Skeates of Auburn; four sisters, Jayne Reynolds of Thompson, CT, Winnie Skeates of Hancock, NH, Lori Proulx of Dudley, and Cheryl Skeates of East Norriton, PA; and many nephews, nieces and cousins. He was predeceased by a brother, Robert Skeates.

He was born in Worcester, son of the late Ernest “Bob” and Nancy J. (Becklund) Skeates, and was a lifelong resident of Oxford. He graduated from Oxford High School in 1973.

Steven was a humble man, and an exceptionally devoted husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle, friend and colleague. He is sorely missed by all. He was proud of his kids and grandkids; he loved nothing more than spending time with his family, especially their vacations at Disney World and York Beach, ME.

Nature brought him joy; his favorite activities included camping, fishing, hunting and bird watching. He loved road trips; one of his fondest memories was a driving trip to Alaska with family when he was a teenager. He loved history, was an avid reader, an ASA softball umpire, a Red Sox fan, a diehard NASCAR fan, former president of the OHS Booster Club and a regular blood donor. He is remembered for his easy smile and sense of humor, his quiet competence, his compassion, his sensitivity and his knowledge of a wide range of subjects.

Steven held many jobs, including milkman, gas station manager, machinist; and was the Production Expert at POBCO, Inc. in Worcester for the past 36 years, where his presence and knowledge are greatly missed.

A funeral service will be Thursday, June 14 at 11 a.m. at Paradis-Givner Funeral Home, 357 Main St., Oxford. Burial will follow at North Cemetery in Oxford. Calling hours are Wednesday, June 13, from 5-8 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Steven A. Skeates Memorial Charity Fund, care of Webster Five Cents Savings Bank, 343 Main St., Oxford, MA 01540. Donations will supply emergency equipment, including AEDs, to recreational sports fields in the Town of Oxford.