Robert Matthew Skane of Weston, Connecticut, who devoted his life to helping others rebuild theirs, passed away peacefully on February 22, 2026, at the age of 90. He was born in Bridgeport, Connecticut, on April 23, 1935 to Matthew Aloysius Skane and Anna Baum Skane. He will be deeply missed by family and friends and by the countless individuals whose lives he touched in both his career and private life.

Bob grew up in Bridgeport, Connecticut, where Seaside Park became his second home. He loved the  water--swimming, fishing, and running along the sand. As a teenager, he worked as a lifeguard and pushed an ice cream cart along the beach to earn money. He also loved basketball and excelled at long-distance running.

Bob was a proud alumnus of Fairfield Prep, Michigan State University, and Fordham University, where he earned his master’s degree in social work.  He ran track for Fairfield Prep and later for Michigan State, emerging as a standout distance runner for the Michigan State Spartans in the 1950's when the track program enjoyed national prominence.

Bob served in the United States Marine Corps during the political crisis in Lebanon.  No one was prouder to have served his country. In later years, he became active in the Marine Corps League and marched in the Norwalk Memorial Day parade whenever he could.

Bob experienced his share of sorrows, including the tragic loss of his son Matthew in 1990. As a young man, he struggled with alcohol, but at the age of 29, he gave it up and never touched another drop. Alcoholics Anonymous was his guiding light.  He embraced and upheld the program's teachings, helping both himself and many others by following the Twelve Step principles.

Bob's personal struggles ultimately shaped the course of his life and career, setting him on a lifelong mission of helping others find their way.

Through determination and hard work, he became a licensed drug and alcohol counselor and then took a giant step forward, returning to school to earn his master’s degree and obtain his license as a clinical social worker. This allowed him to provide care for individuals facing both addiction and mental health challenges.

Over the course of his career, Bob served at numerous facilities, including Guenster Rehabilitation Center, Viewpoint Recovery Center, Hall-Brooke Hospital, Southwest Community Health Center, among others, and also maintained a private practice.  He counseled clients and also supervised clinicians, extending the reach of his work beyond his own practice.

In his personal life, Bob was a voracious reader and history enthusiast, with an overflowing home library. He was also an avid sports fan, especially of MSU Spartans' football and basketball, and made regular trips to East Lansing to watch the games in person.

He loved to travel, whether near or far—trips to New Hampshire and Michigan with friends, visiting family in Maryland and Niantic, a trip to the Grand Canyon with his wife and  stepdaughters, and journeying  to Morocco with his sister Janet.  He cherished the many memorable trips he took with his wife Nancy, including visits to Greece, Italy, Australia, Alaska, and a lovely river cruise down the Danube.

Bob’s granddaughters, Lori and Kristin, fondly remember the many times they spent together, including a very special trip to Mexico when they were young. Lori was especially grateful that her grandpa was able to walk her down the aisle on her wedding day.

Bob believed strongly in remaining physically active and did so well into his 80's, running marathons for many years and swimming regularly. He was also generous in sharing what he knew, whether guiding clinicians, coaching young athletes, or simply teaching skills he enjoyed. He was known for his engaging stories and his lovely singing voice, which he loved to show off. He especially enjoyed Sunday morning breakfasts with his wife Nancy, reading The New York Times together, and then heading out for a walk. He also often took long companionable walks with his son Robbie.

Bob will be remembered for the kindness and warmth he shared with everyone around him.      

By his example, he showed that change is possible and that even the most daunting situations can lead to a satisfying, purposeful, joyful life. The many lives he helped rebuild reflect the life he lived.

Bob leaves behind his wife, Nancy Wiltse Skane of Weston, CT; his son, Robert R. Skane of Norwalk, CT; his granddaughters, Kristin Inez Skane (Frank Longo) and Lori Marie Skane of Port St. Lucie, FL; his nephew, Frederick Lee Stern (Kathleen Smith Stern) and his niece, Tracy Susan Roth of Annapolis, MD; his cousin, Peter Jerry Baum of Newport, R.I.; his stepdaughters, Laura Wiltse Prior of New Canaan, CT and Lisa Alexandra Wiltse of Kenmare in County Kerry, Ireland and many other beloved family members and friends.

Bob was predeceased by his son, Matthew Robert Skane, in 1990, his sister Janet Skane Stern in 2025, and his former wife, Mary B. Skane, mother of his children, in 2001.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Disabled Veterans or RVNA Health Hospice

 Calling hours will be held on Saturday, March 28th, 2026, from 11 am to 1 pm at the Lesko Funeral Home, 1209 Post Rd, Fairfield Center. Starting at 1 pm, a prayer service with military honors will take place. To order flowers from a local florist, get travel directions, or sign his online guest register, please visit www.LeskoFuneralHome.com.