Gerald D. Skoning ’64

Gerry died July 8, 2023, of complications from long COVID.

Born in Geneva, Ill., Gerry came to Princeton from the Hotchkiss School. A fine athlete, he won three varsity letters in hockey at Princeton, serving as captain senior year. A member of Ivy Club, he majored in philosophy and graduated with honors. Senior year he roomed with John Clarkson and Ty Dann. Close friends included Scott Andrews, Alex Wellford, John Cook ’63, Pony Fraker, and Dick Springs. He then studied law at the University of Michigan and played on a hockey team that won a national championship. 

After law school he served with distinction in the Navy as a line officer aboard the aircraft carrier Independence.Returning home to Chicago he joined the law firm Seyfarth Shaw, where he spent his entire career. A nationally prominent labor law expert, he argued landmark cases in front of the Supreme Court. A prolific writer, he had many op-ed pieces published, and shared them along with his “Midnight Musings” with long-standing friends. 

Gerry was a consummate gentleman and a wonderful friend to a vast assortment of people. Memories of times spent with him will be cherished.

To his wife, Mary; his brother, Mark; and his sister, Elissa; the class extends its sympathies.