Keith Skerritt Sr. Obituary
March 20, 2021
Keith Alexander Skerritt Sr., along with his fraternal twin Kelvin, were born on February 11, 1963 to Lionel Slyvester and Gwendolyn Viola Skerritt, in New York City. He was raised on Noble Avenue in the Bronx, New York. He passed away on March 5, 2021 due to possible complications from diabetes.
Keith was baptized and attended All Souls Episcopal Church in Harlem as a young child. He was later confirmed at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in the Bronx. At St. Andrew’s Church, he was a member of the youth group, worked at the church summer camp, and created many lifelong memories which we all dearly cherish. He continued his spiritual journey at a few other churches but ultimately chose New Life Church of Christ, Disciples of Christ, as his home church. He traveled from Harlem to Long Island to attend services there.
Keith attended Food & Maritime High School in New York City where he allowed his passion for cooking to flourish. As a high school student, he often sported professional chef attire and diligently worked on his culinary skills. He made numerous cakes for many special events and handled catering requests. After graduating from Food & Maritime High School in 1981, he studied at The Institute of Culinary Arts where he continued to refine his craft. Keith obtained several certifications including certifications in nutrition, as well as dietary and food handling. He enjoyed working at the Oyster Bar in Grand Central Station and later worked for the Hotels and Hospitals Corporation.
Throughout his life, he enjoyed spending time with family and friends and just “having a good time.” Besides being a talented chef, Keith is also known for being fun loving, a jokester, the life of the party, and ‘a preacher’. One of his favorite songs was Always and Forever, which he performed at church variety shows. One of his many notable catchphrases was, “All the way up, nothing can stop me!”
Keith was preceded in death by his parents Lionel and Gwendolyn Skerritt and other beloved family members. He is survived by his sons Keith Skerritt Jr. and Jaleel Skerritt, his grandchildren, Khyree Skerritt(Keith) and Genesis Skerritt(Jaleel), his former spouse Jalene Thomas; his siblings, Darren Skerritt(Cheryl), Vance Skerritt(April), twin brother Kelvin Skerritt(Valquise), sisters Lynnelle Skerritt-Thomas and Rhonda Tyson-Alston. His Aunt Ilene Hewitt, Uncle Freddy Rice, Norman & Elizabeth Burnett, Yvonne Clarke. Cousins Eurlanda, Patricia, George, Alicia, Lionel, Terrance, Gail-Selina, Stefanie, Dana, Lauren, Deborah, Angela, Terrance B, Delroy, Leroy six nieces, twelve nephews and a host of special family members and friends.
Keith was baptized and attended All Souls Episcopal Church in Harlem as a young child. He was later confirmed at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in the Bronx. At St. Andrew’s Church, he was a member of the youth group, worked at the church summer camp, and created many lifelong memories which we all dearly cherish. He continued his spiritual journey at a few other churches but ultimately chose New Life Church of Christ, Disciples of Christ, as his home church. He traveled from Harlem to Long Island to attend services there.
Keith attended Food & Maritime High School in New York City where he allowed his passion for cooking to flourish. As a high school student, he often sported professional chef attire and diligently worked on his culinary skills. He made numerous cakes for many special events and handled catering requests. After graduating from Food & Maritime High School in 1981, he studied at The Institute of Culinary Arts where he continued to refine his craft. Keith obtained several certifications including certifications in nutrition, as well as dietary and food handling. He enjoyed working at the Oyster Bar in Grand Central Station and later worked for the Hotels and Hospitals Corporation.
Throughout his life, he enjoyed spending time with family and friends and just “having a good time.” Besides being a talented chef, Keith is also known for being fun loving, a jokester, the life of the party, and ‘a preacher’. One of his favorite songs was Always and Forever, which he performed at church variety shows. One of his many notable catchphrases was, “All the way up, nothing can stop me!”
Keith was preceded in death by his parents Lionel and Gwendolyn Skerritt and other beloved family members. He is survived by his sons Keith Skerritt Jr. and Jaleel Skerritt, his grandchildren, Khyree Skerritt(Keith) and Genesis Skerritt(Jaleel), his former spouse Jalene Thomas; his siblings, Darren Skerritt(Cheryl), Vance Skerritt(April), twin brother Kelvin Skerritt(Valquise), sisters Lynnelle Skerritt-Thomas and Rhonda Tyson-Alston. His Aunt Ilene Hewitt, Uncle Freddy Rice, Norman & Elizabeth Burnett, Yvonne Clarke. Cousins Eurlanda, Patricia, George, Alicia, Lionel, Terrance, Gail-Selina, Stefanie, Dana, Lauren, Deborah, Angela, Terrance B, Delroy, Leroy six nieces, twelve nephews and a host of special family members and friends.