Robert Emmett Skerry, Jr. (Bob), age 74, a lifelong resident of Medford and dedicated public servant, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on February 13, 2025, after a 2-year courageous battle with cancer.

Bob was the beloved son of Robert Emmett Skerry, Sr. and Frances Carolyn (Lewis) Skerry. He was raised in Medford, attended Medford public schools, and was a proud graduate of the University of Massachusetts-Boston (formerly Boston State College) with a degree in Political Science and English. He went on to obtain his Certificate in School and Community Relationships from Harvard University Graduate School of Education and was a lifelong reader and learner. Bob also served the Commonwealth and the Nation honorably as a member of the 101st Engineers Battalion in the Massachusetts National Guard.

Bob began his career as a teacher in the Everett and Medford Public School systems, serving as a varsity soccer coach and teaching Civics, Social Studies and English. His dedication to the children and families of Medford extended beyond the classroom; Bob served various roles in Medford City Government over four decades but was particularly committed to the Medford School Committee and Medford Chamber of Commerce. In his professional capacity, Bob served as a Senior Investigator with the Bureau of Special Investigations for the Office of the State Auditor for over 35 years.

In addition to Bob’s public service and commitment to his community, he had a deep commitment to his family. He is survived by his beloved friend and partner, Maria C. DeMarco, and was known as “Uncle Bob” to many, including her daughter Margaret M. (Meg) DeMarco and her wife Claire, and their three children, Avery, Emerson, and Sloane, whom he cared for as if they were his own grandchildren. Bob was also survived by his sister and fellow lifelong Medford resident, Dawn Skerry Giovino and her husband Richard, and his nephew Richard Robert Giovino and his wife Vanessa. He is further survived by his sister Marilyn Ann Frank (William-deceased) of Attleboro. Bob was also an uncle to Marilyn’s children, Robert P. Frank, Jennifer A. Frank-Furtado and her husband Mark, Melissa A. Faloon and her husband William, Meaghan C. Frank and Christopher R. Frank (deceased). He is also survived by many dear cousins and numerous friends as well as his cherished neighborhood friends and their families.

Bob lived a life of service and great joy. He could often be found helping others in the community, caring for his family and neighbors, and cheering on the Boston Red Sox, Boston College Eagles, or Notre Dame Fighting Irish! He shared his home with loving pets over the years, including his dogs Teddy and Rory. Bob and Maria loved to take Sunday drives to the beach and to New England coastal towns, but he always returned home to Medford. He was proud of his family, his faith, his country, and his community. Bob will be missed by all who had the privilege to know him, and his impact will be remembered and felt for years.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to visit at the Dello Russo Funeral Home, 306 Main Street, Medford, Monday, February 24, 2025, 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm, and again on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, at 10:30 am, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:30 am in Saint Joseph`s Church, 118 High Street. Medford. Those wishing to join the funeral procession should arrive at the funeral home by 10:30 am. Service will conclude with a burial at Oak Grove Cemetery in Medford, MA.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations in Bob’s memory be made to Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center (https://giving.massgeneral.org/donate/cancer-center) or Dana Farber Cancer Center (https://www.dana-farber.org/how-you-can-help/ways-to-give).