Peter M. “Pete” Skerry was born on November 12, 1950, in Winchester, Massachusetts, to the late Walter and Evelyn Skerry. He graduated from Winchester High School in 1968, attended Essex Agricultural for tree work, and later became a certified tree surgeon and arborist. He went on to work for the Winchester Cemetery Department for several years and owned and operated Skerry Landscaping on the side. He was hired by the Winchester Fire Department in 1978 and graduated from the Massachusetts Fire Academy in 1979. He served as a Winchester firefighter and EMT until retiring as lieutenant in 2014.

In his spare time, Pete liked to spend time at his camp on Stanley Pond in South Hiram, Maine, where he enjoyed boating, fishing, bonfires, exploring the woods, and spending time with family and friends. He also spent time skiing Pat’s Peak in Henniker, New Hampshire, and attending the shows of his son’s band, Threat Level Burgundy. He was their biggest fan and #1 roadie.

Pete wore many hats in his life—husband, father, brother, uncle, cousin, lieutenant, “cat daddy,” band roadie, friend, and best friend. To say that he was dedicated to helping others would be an understatement, not only professionally, but also helping his friends, family, and even total strangers at times. It would not surprise most to hear about times when he would stop on the side of the road to help someone who was broken down or to strike up a long, friendly conversation with someone who was just asking for directions. That was the kind of guy Pete was. He never stopped helping people, both on and off the clock. His generosity knew no bounds; it was his love language.

Pete was also known for being very practical, but most importantly, he would want to be remembered for his sense of humor. He could always be counted on to make others laugh, whether it was through fart jokes or Three Stooges references or clever movie quotes.

Pete passed away on December 3, 2022, after a valiant 17-month battle with occupational lung cancer. In addition to his wife, Kathy, Pete is lovingly survived by his son, Peter M. Skerry Jr., and wife, Ashley; his cat, Aslan; and his many “furry grandkids.” He is further survived by several siblings, in-laws, nieces, and nephews.