Robert Jan Skibinski, 84, entered into eternal rest on May 14, 2026 in Santa Monica, California with his loving family at his side. Born in Springfield on July 21, 1941, to the late Frank and Stella (Kulig) Skibinski, Bob was a lifelong resident of Chicopee and a 1958 graduate of Chicopee High School. He served honorably in the Army National Guard and was a member of the Chicopee Lodge of Elks for 50 years. Bob worked for several years at Springfield Gas Company, where he met the love of his life, Sue. Together, they shared 60 wonderful years of marriage. He later joined MassMutual, starting as an auditor and retiring after 35 years of dedicated service in the Actuarial Division.

A gifted and well-known trumpet player, Bob spent his life sharing his love of music throughout the local community. He performed with Big Bands and Polish music with several area bands and recorded several albums along the way.  He also played with the National Guard Jazz Band and for over 25 years with the Big E Circus during the Eastern States Exposition. One of his proudest musical memories was performing alongside Judy Garland at her final appearance at the Storrowton Music Tent in 1967. At one point The O'Jays contacted Bob and asked him to go on tour with them, but he declined to stay with family.

Bob found great joy in traveling throughout New England and especially treasured time spent with his wife and family. For 30 years, he and Sue enjoyed winters in Saint Martin through their timeshare, and for the past 15 years, they wintered in Santa Monica to be closer to his Los Angeles family. Old Orchard Beach and Bar Harbor in Maine held a special place in his heart, and for 50 years he was honored as an honorary “Gallagher Brother” during the annual Brothers Weekend in Old Orchard Beach. Above all else, Bob cherished time he spent with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, creating lasting memories that will be treasured forever.

He leaves his devoted wife Suzanne (Gallagher) Skibinski; his loving children, Robin Berube and her husband Matt of Chicopee and Robert Skibinski, Jr. and his partner Iris Chae of Los Angeles, CA; his 6 cherished grandchildren: Taylor Cohen and her husband Joe of Ludlow, Connor Berube and his wife Rachel of York, ME, Brendan Berube and his partner Alyssa Stefanelli of Chicopee, Aidan Berube and his partner Annie Feldott of Chicopee, Lauryn Skibinski of Los Angeles, CA and Devan Skibinski and her partner Jaxon Smith of Los Angeles, CA; 2 great-grandchildren Asher and Clara Cohen; along with other extended family members and many friends.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, May 30, 2026 at Nowak Funeral & Cremation Services, 15 Ludlow Ave., Indian Orchard with Calling Hours from 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. followed by a Funeral Service at 1:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Bob's memory may be made to St. Jude Children’s’ Research Hospital 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or online at www.stjude.org.

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