Mr. Robert M. Skellham, Sr., 56, of Utica, passed away on Sunday November 10, 2013 with his loving family by his side. Robert was born in Oneida, NY on February 2, 1957 the son of L. Robert and Margaret (French) Skellham. He was raised in Sylvan Beach and was a graduate of Oneida High School. On July 7, 1979, Robert married Kim Major. Kim passed away in 1998. On September 24, 1998, Robert married Patricia Smith. At one time, Robert assisted his father at Sylvan Beach Ambulance Service, he was later employed as a tow truck driver in the Utica area and for 35 years, as a bus driver with the Utica City School district. Robert was a parishioner of Historic Old St. John's Church in Utica. He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed camping and fishing. Mr. Skellham is survived by two daughters and one son-in-law, Donna Hillage of New Hartford and Danielle and Brian Pizzo of Utica; his former wife, Patricia Skellham of Utica; two grandchildren, Robert M. Skellham, III and Kim Robson; one sister and brother-in-law Ida and Richard Becraft of Utica; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Fred and Deb Skellham of Cleveland, NY and Michael and Debbie Geiser of Vernon, NY; his Godson, Richard Becraft, Jr. as well as several nieces, nephews, cousins and in-laws. He was predeceased by his son, Robert M. Skellham, Jr., in 2000. Mr. Skellham's funeral will be held on Friday, November 15, 2013 at 9:15 a.m. at the Heintz Funeral Home, 1517 Whitesboro St., Utica and 10:00 at Historic Old St. John's Church in Utica where his Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated. His Rite of Committal and burial will be in Mount Olivet Cemetery in Whitesboro. Calling hours for family and friends are Thursday from 2:00-4:00 and 7:00-9:00. Mr. Skellham's family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the nurses and staff of Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., for the wonder care and compassion you provided to Robert.