Obituary of Robert E. Skipper

On November 9, 2018, Robert E Skipper, 91 of State College, passed away peacefully. A native of Tyrone, PA, he attended Penn State, earning a B.S. in 1949 and a M.S. in 1954 both in electrical engineering. He was elected into the National Honor Society in engineering and was the first chairman of the Central Pennsylvania Section of the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers. He was a member of Sigma Xi, Tau Beta Pi and Eta Kappa Nu. He later became a Registered Professional Engineer. He was a research associate at ORL from 1949-1954. His career was closely associated with the military and the intelligence community, including experience overseas with the Army and Air Force, experience with the Navy during the formative years of the Tactical Electronic Warfare Division of the Naval Research Laboratory, and work with the Foreign Technology Division of the Air Force Systems Command. He was a Program Manger with HRB-Singer, Inc from 1954 to 1970. He served as a Scientific Advisor and Project Director for engineering services to Headquarters U.S. Air Force Europe as well as Scientific Advisor to U.S. Army Security Agency Europe, while living in Germany for five years. He worked several years at Locus and finished his career at the Applied Research Laboratory, retiring in 1992.

As a youth, he was musically inclined, singing in the chorus, tap dancing and learning to play the clarinet. The clarinet became his musical passion and something he enjoyed his whole life. He played in The Penn State Blue Band, a Florida circus band, the State College area Municipal band, The Repaz band, The Little German Band and a dance band. He was also known for singing his rendition of "In Heaven There is No Beer" and "Edelweiss" with the German Band. He played in the State College Municipal band until his passing.

He married his high school sweet heart, the late Sara Priestley in December, 1949 and they settled down in State College to raise their family. When he wasn't playing music, he enjoyed spending time with family, family outings to their cottage, skiing and traveling the world. He was an avid Penn State fan and enjoyed attending sporting events. He was aware of his good fortune in friends, his musical contacts and vocation choices. He was loved for his kind and gentle disposition and his warmth and sharing he brought to others.

Robert is survived by his daughter Wendy and husband Kevin Cybert; grandchildren Jordan and Jacob Skipper, and Courtney and Michael Cybert; and daughter in law, Lisa Hall Skipper; a brother, Bud Skipper and his wife, Elizabeth of San Antonio, TX.  He was preceded in death by his wife, Sara and son, Scott.

Visitation will take place from 10-11 AM on Friday, November 23 at St Paul’s United Methodist Church. The celebration of life service will be held immediately following visitation at 11AM. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to St Paul’s United Methodist Church, 250 E. College Ave., State College, PA 16801, or to State College Area Municipal Band, CRPR, Attn: State College Municipal Band, 2643 Gateway Drive, Suite 1, State College, PA 16801.  

Arrangements are under the care of Koch Funeral Home, State College. Online condolences and signing of the guest book may be entered at www.kochfuneralhome.com.