A native of Bailey Island, ME, Paul was born July 7, 1920, to William and Margaret (Black) Skillings. He grew up on Bailey Island and later moved to San Diego where he attended the University of California. He then worked in Hollywood as a camera man in the film industry. During WWII he served in the U.S. Navy B24 Flying Photography Unit doing photography for pre-invasion intelligence in the Solomon Islands and elsewhere in the Pacific.
In 1951, while in California, he married Verna Haugo of Center City, MN and had two daughters. He was divorced and later married Edith “Sissy” Hofmann of Medford, MA and lived for many years in Arlington, MA. He worked at Lord & Taylor in Boston and was also a professional photographer.
Paul is predeceased by his wife, Sissy, his parents and his two brothers, William and Carlton Skillings, both of Bailey Island. He is survived by his two daughters, Karen Swedlow and husband, Arthur Swedlow of Ayer, MA and Kirsten Olson and husband, John Giles of Encinitas, CA; three nieces and two nephews.
A memorial service will be held at
Mackerel Cove,
Abner Point Road,
Bailey Island, ME on
Sunday, Sept. 14 at 11 a.m. A reception will follow at the Bailey Island Library Hall, 2167 Harpswell Islands Road, Bailey Island (Harpswell), ME. Assisting the family with the arrangements is the O’Donnell Funeral Home, 46 Washington Sq., (At Salem Common) Salem.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the John Bertram House Activity Fund, 29 Washington Square, Salem, MA 01970. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.odonnellfuneralservice.com.
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