Alan Francis Skerrett

Alan Francis Skerrett, 86, a mental health professional and community activist with life-long avocations in photography, music, baseball and the culinary arts, passed away on January 19, 2023, at his home in Hudson, NY. Alan was born in Staten Island, NY, on January 14, 1937, to the late Joseph Taylor Skerrett of Lincoln University, PA, and the late Anna Skerrett nee Cannon of Hudson, NY. He was raised in Brooklyn and Queens, NY. As a child, he spent many summers in Hudson with his maternal grandparents, and attended school there in 1948. The Upper Hudson Valley played prominently in the latter part of his life. A 50-year veteran in the mental health field, he served in a variety of positions in both New York state government and the not for profit sectors. His career began at Creedmoor Psychiatric Center, Queens, NY, where his mother Anna also worked. Later he served as mental health supervisor for the Manhattan Detention Complex in Lower Manhattan, AKA, The Toombs, and on a multi-disciplinary regional training team dedicated to bringing staff at various psychiatric hospitals in line with the then new concept of community psychiatry. He lived and worked in the New York City area until he relocated to Albany in 1980 upon being offered positions in social work and in staff training at the Capital District Psychiatric Center (CDPC). In 1989, he moved to Columbia County, NY, having accepted a position as director of the psychiatric residence, The Philmont Hearth, where he worked until his retirement. Alan was a natural leader and a dedicated, “change agent”, as he liked to call it, with a passion for raising consciousness to improve the lives of the underserved and disenfranchised, both professionally and through community activism. In his retirement he devoted himself to serving the Hudson community where he was a valued contributor to a number of community and mental health organizations. Among his many notable roles, Alan served as Executive Director of the Columbia County NAACP, and as Chairman of the Board of the Staley B. Keith Social Justice Center Inc., an organization that advocates for the dignity and rights of formerly incarcerated persons through the Re-Entry Columbia program. He also supported the Greater Hudson Promise Neighborhoods, the Hudson Catskill Housing Coalition, and the Watershed Center. He provided mentoring to many young community leaders and was always ready to lend a helping hand. His integrity, wisdom and generosity touched hearts and influenced positive change. Alan was passionate about music and had knowledge of multiple venues. He developed a taste for jazz from his father’s generation; an uncle was a saxophonist. As a young adult he was in a doo-wop singing group, and was an acquaintance of Little Anthony and The Imperials, among others. A lifelong rock fan, Alan was at the Woodstock Music Festival. His all-encompassing taste in music was apparent as the host of the music show Crossroads in Rhythm for radio station WGXC 90.7 FM, an affiliate of the Pacifica radio network in Acra and Hudson, NY. He loved WGXC and played an important role in its development. His radio show was a listener favorite, especially when he sang along on-air. Alan’s last show was on December 15, 2022. As a young adult, Alan studied commercial and portrait photography at the NY Institute of Photography and attended workshops conducted by some of NYC’s best photographers. Throughout his life he specialized in diverse venues including portraiture, landscape, seascape and still life. As a freelance photographer, he was retained for portfolio development by aspiring actors and models. His work has been exhibited in NYC and in Greene, Columbia and Albany counties. He was a member of the Columbia County Council on the Arts and served on the Advisory Board of the Hudson Opera House. Another enduring love of Alan’s was baseball and at an early age he developed a noteworthy talent as a pitcher. One of his heroes was Jackie Robinson, who broke major league baseball’s color barrier as a member of Alan’s beloved Brooklyn Dodgers. Edie Cannon, Alan’s uncle, was a friend of Robinson, the two having served in the US Army together. One of Alan's joys was meeting with Robinson after the Dodgers won the 1955 World Series. Alan shared his talent for the game as coach of the Capital District Psychiatric Center’s Women’s Softball team, guiding them to win a State Agency Championship, and later as girls’ softball coach in Philmont, NY. Alan was pre-deceased by siblings Herman Mayo and Joseph Taylor Skerrett Jr, PhD. He and his late wife Gloria Skerrett nee Hampton had two sons, Alan Francis Skerrett Jr. of Washington, DC and Gary Skerrett of Bowie, Maryland, both surviving. He is also survived by his sister Diane V. Skerrett of Woodbridge, VA, and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, cousins, nephews, and nieces. His later years were enriched by his partner, Jill Salerno, who aided him as he transitioned. His final days were marked by an outpouring of support and love from his family members, his many friends, fellow artists and activists, and former colleagues. Alan will be remembered by many with great love and gratitude. May he rest in peace. A memorial service to honor and celebrate Alan’s life will be held on May 6, 2023 at 3:00 p.m. at the Solid Rock Church, 334 Union Street, Hudson, NY. A repast will be held immediately following it at the church, which will be by invitation only due to space limitations. In lieu of flowers, please give of yourself, as Alan would.

Alan Francis Skerrett

January 14, 1937 - January 19, 2023

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Alan Francis Skerrett

January 14, 1937 - January 19, 2023

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