Obituary of Henry F. Skirbst

Henry Franklin Skirbst, born November 14, 1928, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on July 22, 2022. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Ruth Ann (Tuttle) and six children: Ellen Dougherty and husband John of Pennsauken, NJ; Peter and wife Kathy of Green Cove Springs, FL; Karen Jardel and husband Gene of Pine Beach, NJ; John and wife Carol of Fountain Hills, AZ; Henry M. and wife Victoria of Phillipsburg, NJ; and Frederick and wife Laura of Bangor, PA. Their oldest child Lynn passed away in 1993. Henry F. and Ruth have 10 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. Henry was born and raised in Irvington, NJ to his parents Henry Emil and Helen Margaret. A graduate of Irvington High School, he went on to serve in the US Army during the Korean War as an agent in the Counter Intelligence Corps (CIC). He went on to earn degrees from Rutgers University and Colgate. Henry lived his entire life in service to his country, community, church, and family. Henry was a history teacher in Irvington, a Boy Scout troop leader and an active participant in local and state politics. He was a councilman in Irvington and later a committeeman and Mayor of Harmony Township where he spent the last 45 years of his life. He enjoyed gardening and making annual trips with his wife to Branson, MO. During retirement, he became a prolific author of New Jersey history, publishing several books, and promoting history education and preservation. Henry founded the local historical society. An active member and leader at the Harmony Presbyterian Church, his services will be there on August 13, 2022. Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM; celebration of life at 11:00 AM; military burial and luncheon will follow. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Harmony Presbyterian Church, 2727 Belvidere Rd., Phillipsburg, NJ 08865 or the Harmony Township Historical Society, P.O. Box 123, Belvidere, NJ 07823. Arrangements are being made by Warren Hills Memorial Home. To send an online condolence please visit: https://warrenhillsmemorialhome.com/