Dr. Alan Craig Skidgell OBITUARY

Dr. Alan C. Skidgell passed away on May 29, 2024, at his home in Newington, CT, after a long struggle with COPD. Born on January 30, 1942 in Hartford, CT, Alan is survived by his beloved wife, Jacqueline (Jackie) McIlwain, by his side for the last 56 years; the nieces and nephews they raised: Maria Mangual of Manchester, CT, Jada Mangual and Jaden Mangual of Newington, CT, and Maria’s children Ivan Sanchez, Xavier Rivera, Alannah Rivera (Alan’s namesake), Luna Rivera, and London Rivera; his brother Timothy (Jill) Skidgell, of Griswold, CT; nieces Ashley (Greg) Wilson, their children Locke & Minka Isley Wilson, of Boston, MA; and nieces Krysti Skidgell, and Laurel Skidgell, of Hopkinton, MA.

In addition, Alan leaves behind several adored relatives from his wife’s eight brothers and sisters and their families. Alan was predeceased by his parents Henriette (Salamandra) Johnston of Cheshire, CT, and Allen L. Skidgell, his stepmother, Norma (Peterson) Skidgell of Hartford, CT and his brothers Jonathan Skidgell and Mark V. Johnston of Wallingford, CT.

After attending elementary school at Parker Farms in Wallingford, CT, Alan graduated Cum Laude from Mount Hermon prep school. Alan went on to earn collegiate degrees from Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, The New School for Social Research, New York, NY, and the University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT.

Upon earning his doctorate Dr. Skidgell became a distinguished psychologist dedicating his career to advocating for the rights of individuals with intellectual disabilities. He was frequently sought as an expert juvenile psychologist in cases brought forward in the CT State Supreme Court.

Alan proudly served in the United States Army Medical Corps, South Vietnam, during the Vietnam War. His courage & sacrifice service is recognized at the Wallingford Vietnam Veterans Monument in Wallingford Center, CT. Dr. Skidgell continued his military service as a Major in the Connecticut National Guard Army Reserves.

Alan had a passion for knowledge and books, from the Classics to world religion and physics. He spoke German, French, Russian, Polish, Spanish and Italian. A historical expert in the French Revolution with a specialty in the Napoleonic Wars, Alan was a founding member of the Napoleonic Historical Society. A season ticket holder at the Opera, Alan enjoyed the Arts, travel, music, conversation, humor, and loved his cats.

“Big Al” leaves behind a legacy of service, compassion, and dedication to improving the lives of others. There is no one quite like him. He will be deeply missed.