Obituary of Arlan V. Skinner

" Arlan V. Skinner, 89, former longtime resident of Belchertown, died Tuesday, March 20, 2007. Born in Agawam, April 3, 1917, he lived in Belchertown until 1985, when he relocated to Westfield. While in Belchertown, he was the branch manager for 17 years at the former Ludlow Savings Bank, retiring in 1980. Arlan was an active member of the Belchertown Congregational Church and formerly served on its Diaconate and also as the church’s moderator. He had been a member of the Lions Club and was its former King Lion and Secretary. He also served on the Board of Assessors, as the registrar for Selective Service, and treasurer for the Salvation Army in Belchertown. He was the former treasurer for the Elderly Housing Authority and served on the Civil Defense Board. Arlan loved all sports, especially golf, and his beloved Red Sox. His wife, the former Clara Vergnani died in 2000. He will be deeply missed by his two daughters, Jane Ketchen of Winchester and Susan Emery of Westfield, along with his two grandchildren Holly Lurgio and Meredith Emery. He also leaves three great grandchildren, Colby, Patrick and Michael Lurgio, two nieces, Joyce Hathaway and Lynn Gaito, two nephews, Arlan Kinney and Peter Vergnani, and many wonderful friends. Beers & Story Belchertown Funeral Home is handling arrangements. A memorial service will be Saturday at 2:00 p.m. at the Belchertown Congregational Church. For those wishing donations may be made in his memory to the Belchertown Congregational Church, Park St., Belchertown, MA 01007; Second Congregational Church of Westfield, 487 Western Avenue, Westfield, MA 01085; Southwick Animal Shelter, 11 Depot St., Southwick, MA 01077. "