Walter Patrick "Bud" "GREAT" Skinner

WALTER P. “BUD” SKINNER 

“GREAT” 

SEPTEMBER 4, 1932-JUNE 14, 2023 

Boxford, Mass. 

Walter Patrick Skinner was called home by His Lord on Wednesday June 14, 2023, surrounded by his 3 daughters and many other family members. He was in hospice care at Beverly (Mass) Hospital and the family is forever grateful for the loving care of the hospital staff during his final days. 

Walter was born in Brockton, MA on September 4, 1932. The second born of 6 siblings, his parents were Henry Skinner and Mary (Ryan) Skinner. As the second child, his mother called him #2 Son but the rest of his family preferred “Bud” or “Buddy”. Growing up and into his adult life his favorite activities were fishing, hunting and working on his automobiles. He was educated in Braintree, graduating from Braintree High School in 1950. During his high school career, he participated in football, baseball, marching band and orchestra for all 4 years. Walter attended Northeastern University attaining a BS in Mechanical Engineering, graduating in 1955. While at Northeastern, he was a member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers as well as participating in intramural basketball and bowling. Later in life, Walter would return to Northeastern, receiving an MBA on June 15, 1969. He financed his Undergrad education by working summers in a nursery, interning at various companies and paying rent to his mom by running a commuting service with some of his classmates.   

Walter met his future wife Grace Newman at a Fireman’s Ball in Braintree, MA, beginning their journey of love and romance lasting for 65 years. The happy couple were married on an extremely hot day July 2, 1955, and honeymooned up at Lake Winnipesaukee in NH. Walter spent his whole working career at General Electric-Aviation Division. He began in Syracuse, NY then went onto to Lexington KY, Lynn, MA, Hooksett, NH and finally back to Lynn. Walter retired as the Manager of Quality Control-Bearings, Seals and Drives after 36 years. 

A lifelong member and Communicant of the Catholic Church, he often attended church along with his wife Grace, a devout Protestant (Baptist). Walter adored his large extended family by participating in or watching their various athletic and artistic ventures along with many birthday, graduation and holiday celebrations.  He also shared his love of a good card game by playing Crazy 8’s, Rummy, Cribbage, Bridge and Whist. Other activities that occupied his later years were working on anything with an engine, reading and watching Westerns. Many times, folks would let him know he looked like one of his favorite Western stars, Clint Eastwood. 

Walter is survived by his daughters Jane P. Skinner of American Fork, Utah, Susan Metts and husband Rick of Derry, NH and Karen Glassett and husband Rob of Saugus, MA. His Family also includes 12 grandchildren, 16 “Great” grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, Dr. William Skinner and wife Edith along with Sister-in-Law Yvonne Skinner. Walter was predeceased by his Wife Grace, his parents Henry and Mary, brothers Dan and Jack and sister Ann Sferrazza. 

Calling hours are Monday, June 19, 2023 from 4 – 7:00 PM at Dewhirst & Boles Funeral Home, 80 Broadway, Methuen, MA 01844.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, June 20, 2023 at 11 AM at St. Thomas Aquinas Parish, 26 Crystal Avenue, Derry, NH 03038.  Burial will follow the Funeral Mass in Forest Hill Cemetery, off East Derry Road in Derry, NH.

In-lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Walter’s name to Pumpkin Wall Farm Animal Sanctuary (a 501 (c)(3) charity)  56 Tsienneto Rd. Derry, NH 03038. Donations may be made through the website http://www.pumpkinwallfarm.com or a check mailed to the above address.  Please visit www.dewhirstbolesfuneral.com for directions or to sign the online guest book.

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