Darold Skerritt OBITUARY

Darold Skerritt OBITUARY

Darold Ellsworth Skerritt peacefully passed in his home on November 2, 2025, surrounded by family, after a courageous journey with cancer.

Born on March 15, 1935, in Scobey, Montana. Darold was the eldest son of Elma and Harold Skerritt. He was raised on a farm in northeast Montana. He would share many rich stories of family life on the farm. He was known from an early age for his academic gifts, particularly in mathematics and science. Darold earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in chemical engineering from Montana State University.

After graduating college in 1958, Darold moved to San Francisco to begin his professional career and soon after start a family. There he met and married his first wife, Anne Blume and became proud father of two sons, Harry and Martin. The family moved from the East Bay to Salinas in 1966, when Darold joined the faculty at Hartnell Community College as a chemistry professor. He had chosen to leave research in favor of teaching. Over more than 3 decades, until his retirement, he inspired countless students through his passion for science and his dedication to education.

In 1971, the family moved from Salinas to Pacific Grove. Darold later married his second wife, Joanna Bonnell, blending their families and welcoming three stepchildren alongside his two sons.

Darold embraced life with curiosity and joy. He loved travel, opera, cooking, and winemaking–interests he shared with his beloved wife, Judy Lind, whom he married in 1996. With this union two stepchildren were added. Together, they traveled extensively and were active members of two wine tasting groups, as well as the Greek Village Dancers of the Monterey Peninsula. When the group’s dance instructor retired, Darold stepped in to teach Greek dance classes, a role he fulfilled with enthusiasm for many years.

Perhaps Darold’s greatest joy came from family connection, annual reunions with siblings, and many family celebrations.

A devoted longtime member of the Unitarian Universalist Church of the Monterey Peninsula, Darold lived by the values of kindness, compassion, generosity, and a deep respect for embracing diversity and protecting human rights.He will be remembered for his gentle nature, warm smile, and sense of humor.

Darold is survived by his wife, Judy Lind; siblings George Skerritt (Terry), Daniel Skerritt (Irina), Patricia Nixon (Lee), and Donna Boyer; his son Martin Skerritt (Angela); stepchildren Bryan Bailey (Roz), Karen Tucker (Rob), Laura Bailey-Sayre (Mark), and Briana Jors (Steve); grandchildren Adam Skerritt, Colin Skerritt, Daniel Skerritt, Katie Tucker, Vendela Jors, and Karsten Jors; and great-granddaughter Freya Skerritt, and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Elma and Harold Skerritt; his brother Paul Skerritt; his son Harry Skerritt; his stepson Karl Lind; and his granddaughter Veronica Hills-Skerritt.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at the Unitarian Universalist Church of the Monterey Peninsula, 490 Aguajito Road.

May his memory bring comfort and inspiration to all who knew and loved him.

For those who wish to honor Darold’s memory, donations may be made to two of his favorite charities, UUCMP or Planned Parenthood Mar Monte.