Kip D. Sklarz

Kip David Sklarz Sr., a longtime St. Johnsville resident, a true outdoorsman of hooks and hearts, embarked on his final expedition into the great beyond on February 21, 2024 in Albany, New York, aged 66. 

Born in Johnstown, PA on January 5, 1958, to Clifford and Carol Rawson Clark. Carol later remarried to William Sklarz. Kip charted a life as vibrant and full of adventure as the great outdoors he so cherished. After bravely navigating the skies with the Air Force for four years, Kip soared above and beyond, later exchanging his wings for the tranquility of forests and streams. As an avid outdoorsman, Kip’s idea of “net worth” was measured in the fish he caught and the memories he netted with family and friends.  

His retirement was anything but idle. It was an extended season of joy, filled with the rustling of book pages, the click of the camera shutter, and the gentle plop of a lure on the water. He was the family's unofficial photographer, capturing candid snapshots of life with a click, a smile, and sometimes a well-timed photobomb.

He leaves behind the catch of his life his wife Kellie Collins Sklarz. He also leaves the anchors of his life, daughter Bonnie Sklarz Murray and son-in-law Stephen, sons Jason Sklarz and Kip, Jr., the in-law dream team Mary Ann and Charlie Collins of Herkimer and brother-in-law Michael Collins, his brothers Billy, Robby, and Randy. His tales and guidance will be missed by his grandchildren Toby, Aurora, David, Gregory, and Alice, nieces Kirsty and Skyler and nephew Dylan, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins. He will also be missed by his pets Dixie and Lil Bit.

So here’s casting off to Kip, as he navigates the celestial streams, proving that the reel fun doesn’t end just because you can’t see the water. Though he’s embarked on his final expedition, his stories and laughter are forever perched in the treetops, rustling with the leaves and whispering, “Gone fishin’.”

In keeping with the wishes of the family, there are no services. Arrangements for cremation are under the direction and care of the locally/family owned and operated Mohawk Valley Funerals and Cremations, 7507 State Route 5, between St. Johnsville and Little Falls, 315-508-5131.