Obituary of George A. Skelton

On Thursday, November 10, 2016 George A. Skelton from Burlington, MA who retired to Sarasota, FL went off to catch the big one that always got away! George was an avid outdoorsman who loved fishing, camping, and hunting. He graduated from Burlington High School, Burlington, MA and was inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame in 2014. George served as a U.S. Army Ranger for four years. He resided in Burlington while raising seven children with Dorothy Skelton, his wife of 41 years. George was the Scoutmaster of Troop 103 in Burlington for 26 years. He lived in Burlington until 2000 when he moved to New Hampshire for 12 years before settling in Sarasota, FL in 2012. George worked at the Water Department for the Town of Burlington. He worked many years in construction as a heavy equipment operator. After retirement he kept busy fishing, woodworking, and remodeling homes. George is survived by his devoted partner Dianne Ackenback of Sarasota, FL, his 7 children Denise and husband Michael Lee, of Arlington, MA, George F. Skelton of Belmont, MA, Jeffrey P. Skelton of Wilmington, NC, Gregory L. Skelton of Wilmington, NC, Michael K. Skelton of Billerica, MA, Dennis M. and wife Kim Skelton of Woodinville, WA and Jennifer L. and husband William Rychlik of Grafton, MA. George is also survived by 8 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. He leaves behind 4 siblings: Shirley Purdy, Gerry Skelton, Betty Eisner and Cliff Skelton as well as many other family members and friends. A visitation will be at the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., BURLINGTON (Exit 34 off Rt. 128, Woburn side) on Friday, January 20th from 6-8 p.m. A Memorial Service to celebrate George's life will be held at United Church of Christ, 6 Lexington St., Burlington on Saturday, January 21, 2017 at 10:30 am. Relatives & friends respectfully invited to attend. Burial will following Chestnut Hill Cemetery, BURLINGTON. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Philanthropy Dept., Tidewell Hospice, 5955 Rand Blvd., Sarasota, FL 34238 or Boy Scouts of America.