Obituary of Kevin M. Skene

Kevin M. Skene, age 51, of Shelton, passed away suddenly on Monday, July 8, 2013 at his home. Born in Bridgeport on May 8, 1962, he was a son of Richard J. and Carolyn Preedom Skene of Shelton. Kevin worked as a gymnastics coach at Next Dimension Gymnastics in Trumbull, and served as a judge with the International Gymnastics Federation. A big man with a big heart, Kevin had a lifelong love of gymnastics, animals, music, and cooking. He pursued diving and surfing. He was widely admired for his piano rendition of "Maple Leaf Rag" by Scott Joplin, and had more recently taken up the violin. Kevin also had a passion for conservative politics, and was a formidable debater. Kevin lived for several years in southern California, where he obtained his M.B.A. at California Polytechnic University in Pomona. It was also in California where Kevin adopted his first dog, Ginger. After many happy years together, Ginger passed, and Kevin returned to the East Coast. A devoted son, Kevin spent the last several years caring for his aged parents. He was also a loving brother, and uncle to six nieces and nephews. His generosity, humor, and unique presence will be dearly missed by all, and remembered with gratitude. Kevin's loss will also be keenly felt by his many animal "nieces" and "nephews", for whom his frequent trips to the dog park and other activities were a source of much love, security, and sustenance. In addition to his parents, survivors include his brothers and sisters, Brian Skene and his wife, Manomi Tennakoon of Hillsborough, NJ, Debra Reale and her husband Mark of Trumbull, Susan Thees and her husband Paul of Oxford, Laurie Grosso and her husband John of Shelton and Craig Skene and his wife Christy Wells of Middlebury, nieces and nephews, Cynthia Wells, Jacob and Alyssa Grosso, Julia and Luke Thees and R. J. Reale. Kevin is predeceased by his brother David. Kevin is also survived by his loyal dog, Little Buddy. Funeral Information Friends can greet the family on Monday, July 15, 2013 from 3-6 p.m. at the Abriola Parkview Funeral Home, 419 White Plains Road, Trumbull. Services will take place on Monday evening at 6 p.m. in the funeral home. Interment will be private at the convenience of the family. Donations Information In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to: Shelton Animal Shelter c/o Shelton City Hall 54 Hill St. Shelton, CT 06484 ATTN: Animal Control Officer http://www.petfinder.com/shelters/CT205.html or Friends of the Southbury Dog Park 1021 Old Field Road Southbury CT, 06488 http://southburydogpark.net or American Heart Association 1 Union Street, #301 Robbinsville, NJ 08691-4183 https://donate.americanheart.org