Raymond Skelly

"Raymond (Ray) J. Skelly, 71, of Chesterbrook, Pa., retired pharmaceutical executive and Airborne Infantry Officer, musician, songwriter, traveler, volunteer tall ship sailor, and marine ecosystem educator passed away peacefully at home with his family on 11/16/2024. 

Ray was born and raised in Brooklyn, N.Y. After earning a degree in biology from New York University and then serving in the U.S. Army for 5 years, he further advanced his education with a master's degree in Pharmaceutics from Temple University and an MBA from Lehigh University. His roles at Merck and Co. for 26 years included vaccine production, quality control, marketing, and direction of automation and information systems projects. After retiring from Merck, Ray continued to accept challenging assignments as a consultant to a variety of pharmaceutical related companies. Colleagues noted that Ray was a visionary leader, who brought technical competency in a variety of roles, along with enthusiasm for the implementation of projects. He always demonstrated concern for the development of those who worked for him.

Ray fully enjoyed solving technical problems both in the office, at home and in his neighborhood. In his leisure hours he wrote and performed songs for friends, family and a growing audience in the wider world. He volunteered for the tall ships Gazela on Penn's Landing and the A.J. Meerwald in Bivalve, N.J.

Most of all, Ray enjoyed spending time with his family, especially at the seashore. He is survived by his spouse of 42 years, Victoria Skelly (née Ciliberti), his daughters, Katherine (Ian) Skelly Shoemaker and Diana Skelly, his son-in-law Ian Shoemaker and his granddaughter Fiona Shoemaker.

Services and interment are private. In lieu of flowers contributions in Ray's name may be made to The Bayshore Center at BiValve, NJ.:https://www.bayshorecenter.orgor to Penn Medicine:www.pennmedicine.org/giving"