Obituary of George Herbert Van Skoik

George "Curly" Van Skoik, 91, of Baldwinsville, passed away Wednesday, August 11, 2021 at home with his family at his side. He was born in Syracuse, NY on March 10, 1930, the son of George Van Skoik Sr. and Ann (O'Connell) Van Skoik. He attended St. Lucy's High School. He married his high school sweetheart Carole (Cline) and raised four children. He worked at Burkhard Brothers and then retired from Lipe Rollway as a machine repairman after 28 years. During his retirement he worked for several golf courses mowing lawns specifically at The Elms in Sandy Pond, where he and his wife enjoyed many summers golfing, boating and hosting family events. Curly enjoyed bowling and hunting with his friends and fellow Knights of St John from Holy Trinity Church. He was a Noble Fifth Degree Knight. He also played softball for the Park Inn. Hockey was his favorite sport and he had season tickets to the Syracuse Blazers and Syracuse Crunch. He also was an avid fan of the Tampa Bay Lightning. He was a member of Past Time Club and current member of the Syracuse Turners club. He was very active in his church, as an usher and counter. He and Carole were awarded the Immaculata Award for Service in the Syracuse Diocese. Curly will always be remembered as a very clever handyman who could fix anything with unique and creative solutions. He was predeceased by his father George, his mother Ann and his brother Robert (Digger). He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Carole (Cline); daughters Linda (Ray) Menikheim of Port St Lucie, Florida; Marybeth (Bill) Jennings of Camillus; sons Rick (Tracy) Van Skoik of Port St. Lucie, Florida; Larry (Denise) Van Skoik of Pinellas Park, Florida; seven grandchildren Erika and Jim Jennings, Jared, Jena, Tavish, Brogin and Keegan Van Skoik and his sister Patricia (Richard) Leonard; sisters-in-law Renee LaFex and Roberta Van Skoik; brother-in-law Bill Cline and several nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, August 19, 2021 at 10:00 AM at St. Augustine's Church, 7333 O'Brien Road, Baldwinsville, NY.