Robert Michael Skane

Robert Michael Skane, age 82 beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle, friend, passed away peacefully on January 2, 2025 surrounded by his loving family. Born the oldest of four siblings in Woburn, Mass on June 15, 1942 to Doris and Bob Skane. He was a proud graduate of Waltham High School, Waltham, Mass where he gained local recognition for his exceptional athletic abilities. As a star athlete Mike made his mark in baseball as an outstanding pitcher, earning respect from his peers and competitors alike. His talent was recognized beyond high school leading him to attend the College of Holy Cross where he furthered his education and athletic pursuits. His talent was further recognized by major league baseball scouts ultimately landing him a spot on the roster of the Oakland Athletics and his beloved Boston Red Sox. He played for a combined six seasons until a devastating elbow injury ended his professional sports career.

After recovering from the injury Mike began a professional career in Sales. He was the national sales manager for numerous sports apparel companies, such as Brooks, CCM and Pony, just to name a few. He then went on to be the Vice President of sales at the LA Gear Footwear Company. If you knew Mike you knew he had a charismatic personality that would allow him to sell ice to eskimos. A massive heart attack caused him to change careers again this time he become a permanent substitute teacher and a coach for East High School, in the West Chester Area School District and a coach for the Upper Darby High School football team and a referee for the basketball team, in the Upper Darby School District. He was also fortunate enough to own his own company called High Heat where he was able to continue with his love of pitching by teaching young people his talent.

Throughout everything Mike's greatest joys and pleasures in his life were derived from his family, including his beloved dogs - Toby, Boston and Teddy. Mike and Helen spent 57 loving years together in West Chester, PA building a life and family full of love, laughter and cherished memories. His love for his family was unparalleled, enjoying family vacations, school plays, coaching his girls in softball and most of all watching his grandson not only play but excel at sports. He was so incredibly proud of all of them and all of their accomplishments. I would be remiss if I did not mention his love of all Philly and Boston sports teams. He would sit for countless hours talking about the teams and the players. I remember the excitement and joy he had when the Eagles finally won the Super Bowl!

Mike was the epitome of what a devoted husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend should be. His legacy of love, kindness, caring, giving and joy will continue to live on in the hearts of his family and everyone that had the privilege to know him. He is survived by his lifelong love and best friend Helen Skane; Daughters: Deborah (Eddie) Sanchez, Kellie (Nick) Skane; Grandson: Michael (Larissa) Strazza; Brother: Ed (Joan) Skane; Nieces: Karen Mahoney, Cheryl (Peter) Dooley; Nephews: Matt (Emily) Skane, Jim (Michelle) Skane and Jeff (Hilary) Gately; Great Nieces and Nephews: Conor Gately; Diedre, Nora and Owen Dooley; Bennett and Sage Bonnie Skane. He was predeceased by his parents: Doris and Bob; Sisters: Mary (Bob) Mahoney and Jacqueline (Chuck) Gately.

Mikes great love of life, family and his enthusiasm for sports will be deeply missed by all, but his can do persistent spirit will remain forever in the hearts of all that loved him.

Relatives and friends are invited to his Visitation 4:00-8:00 PM Tuesday, January 7, 2025 and 9:00-10:30 AM Wednesday, January 8 at The Donohue Funeral Home, 1627 West Chester Pike, West Chester, PA 19382, 610-431-9000, followed by his 11:00 AM Funeral Mass at SS Simon & Jude Church, 8 Cavanaugh Court, West Chester, PA 19382. Interment private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to Popcorn Park Animal Refuge, 1 Humane Way, P. O. Box 43, Forked River, NJ 08731-0043, https://ahs.givecloud.co/give, would be appreciated.