Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Gary, I am sorry That I have not left a message earlier , although you and your family have been in my thoughts and prayers. From the time I met you back in the 80's you were always the same Happy guy . I think often of what you said to me when I saw you sitting in the lot of Nicoletti beer dist when I pulled in with the tractor trailer and told you I was heading into the next academy class. Then working together in the same district was an honor. The worst day of my career was the night you left us. Seeing your father in law Bill at the morgue and having no answer for his question of why. You were a great friend -husband father -and co worker and are missed by all who knew you.

James Severa --retired Phila Detective -
Tioga County Deputy Sheriff

June 21, 2023

Another incident that I remember all too well and the heroic actions of this brave Officer that day. Thank you for your service and please know that your sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren. Rest in peace always.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

May 8, 2021

Rest in peace Officer Skerski.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 26, 2020

A picture of you hangs on my fridge to this day and always will. You were a great friend and mentor to me and I still miss you dearly. I can't believe that it's been 14 years since you were taken from us. Life passes you by in the blink of an eye. We'll be seeing each other again soon enough. God bless you and your family.

Captain Jason Smith
Philadelphia PD - Homicide Unit

May 13, 2020

Officer skerski, 14 years ago today you where brutally murdered. Continue to rest in heavenly peace. God bless you

Mark Mottola

May 8, 2020

I'm not sure why but I feel as though I have some kind of Connection to Officer Skerski.

I stumbled upon his story while searching something else and I've been stuck reading and re-reading the story of Officer Skerski's Death.

Thank you Officer for your Sacrifice. My Thoughts and Hearts go out to all Men and Women in Uniform.

Mike Jordan
Civilian

March 19, 2020

As former co owner of Vidgam products/Philly spy shop with my now passed father, I have had a tremendous appreciation and respect for the PPD. For that reason, we were their leading supplier of uniform and duty gear. I remember a few interactions with Officer Skerski. To this day I have him in my fond memories. To this day I hope and pray for the best for his family..

Former Agent Vidot/ Uniform-duty gear su
Vidgam Products/Rivethead Tactical Recovery

February 21, 2020

Gary was a beautiful human being and partner. In the 6th District we were often paired up on the wagon. I always felt confident that I was secure because he always...we always had each other’s backs. I also knew it was going to be an enjoyable tour not being solo. He was a good cop, knew how to talk to people. In fact he preferred taking and was low-key in that way. He’d say “Brans” its gonna be a good night and just his company and saying so made me believe it would be and mostly it was. I have some pleasant memories but I do remember a particularly intense fight at Jefferson Hospital, 4x12...for some reason this huge individual would not listen. It was a battle Gary came away bloodied but stood his ground and suffice it to say that individual was taken into police custody. The most significant thing about that incident was his spirit. Gary didn’t spout slurs about this brute... you would have thought he had just had a verbal argument with someone of a higher caliber. Gary had heart! It’s true meaning. I was emotionally hurt and stunned when I initially heard the news...just as much as I am now....much Love Gary...we should all be such good human beings.

(Ret.) Lieutenant Allan Branson
Philadelphia Police Department

August 15, 2018

Gary, There's a day that does not go by that I rememeber you telling me years ago in your office at the district that I will be a great father. Well now that My son Steve Jr will be 14 years old in October, Those words still ring in my head today. You never met my youngest son Noah but, When Stevie and Noah go to school everyday, They always say, There's Gary. You have left not only an impression on us but You have been there for us. Keep watching over us and keeping us safe as you did when you were here in this earth. You will always be alive in our hearts.. Love you Gary and we all miss you too.

Steve Helvitson Sr
Best Friend and Former Mayfair Town Watch Member

September 23, 2017

Rest in peace hero.

Sgt. Jim Russo

May 8, 2017

Will always be remembered, my father served with this gentleman and was friends. I remember this day, but only for his bravery. He is flying high and watching over everyone he loves.

Shawn Acquaviva, son of Anthony Acquaviv
Philadelphia

January 3, 2016

A Hero in Heaven, always remembered and never forgotten.

Kim Weigand Mom of Sgt. Mike Weigand
PA C.O.P.S.

May 8, 2015

I cannot believe it has been 9 years. Your passing is SO unfair, and such a shock to your family.

M.W.
Friend of Phila. Police

March 16, 2015

8 years ago today, We lost you. You were always there for us when you were still here on earth and now that your looking over us. We will remember the good times and the stories. Today, We remember you for your hard work and dedication to the job you loved so much. R.I.P. Gary... You are truly missed....

Steve Helvitson Sr
Friend of Gary Skerski

May 8, 2014

Gary, It's still hard to accept that you are gone. I know it's coming up on 8 years of your passing but It's just really hard for all of us right now including me to accept and get over. You were my best friend, My first choice for Godfather for Stevie before I asked my own Nephew. I still remember those words you told me when I told you in your office When I told you that I asked my Nephew to be Godfather for Stevie, You said," I'm Glad that you asked him because I believe that he should be kept in the family. " From that moment on, I still kept in touch and still was there for you my friend. You have made such a huge impact in not just my life but everyone's life that you knew. Stevie right now is going to be starting 5th Grade soon and my youngest son Noah will be starting Kindergarten in September. They both will look at the wall at Bridesburg Rec. Center and they will both know that, You are looking over them. R.I.P. Gary. We Miss you Bud.

Steve Helvitson Sr.
Friend of Gary Skerski

March 27, 2014

In memory of:
Police Officer Gary F. Skerski
Badge # 7379 15th District
Philadelphia Police Department, Pennsylvania
End of Watch: Monday, May 8, 2006

Your heroism and service is honored today on the 7th anniversary of your death. Emerson says “A hero is no braver than an ordinary man, but he is braver five minutes longer.” Gar, your memory lives on and you will always continue to inspire our family by the memory of how you loved your wife and children.

You were the ordinary man in those precious moments and the extraordinary police officer when dressed in blue at the 15th district. The memories I have of you pulling out your wallet and sharing the photographs of your family will never be forgotten.

Our family will never forget how you protected us daily in my Frankford Avenue Fitness Store for years and how you were always there to offer up your time to those in our community; whether it be the Christmas fund drive for the less fortunate or taking the time to READ to children at New Foundations Charter School along with stepping up and making the official ribbon cutting ceremony at NFCS an amazing success. You are observed every day at that school and reside in the entry way as a constant reminder for all who enter and exit.

We honor you today and always Gar! With Respect and Admiration, the Mazzagatti Family

Tracy Mazzagatti
Friend

May 8, 2013

Officer Skerski may you rest in peace and know that the phila police dept will take the watch from here . a Hero Remembered and never forgotton - from the brother of a deceased phila police detective

Vince Gibson
Pa Bail Enforcement Agent

May 8, 2013

Gary its taken me 6 yrs to come up with the right words to say . When I was a teenager I learned of this program for kids who wanted careers in law enforcement called the polive explorers. Gary as an explorer under you in the 2nd and 15th district you made me realize the type of officer I really wanted to be, I want to be a fair hard working compassoionate officer . Gary you where a great friend thanks for all tips u gave me.

PA ACT 235 certified agent Josh Toll
G4s secure solutions formaly wackenhut

August 27, 2012

We do not remember days; we remember moments; some happy and some sad. Gar, you gave from your heart and loved your family dearly. I know you are a Saint in heaven looking at God in all of His glory. Yo Gar! I can’t believe it’s been 6 years already. A lot has happened since then; the days come and go but Rae, Nicholas and I wanted you to know you are never far from our hearts and minds. We honor your memory today and always. I wanted you to know we will never forget the sacrifices you made for all of us. “So long as the memory of certain beloved friends lives in my heart, I shall say that life is good” in memory of you Gary Skerski. Love, Tracy Mazzagatti & Family

Tracy Mazzagatti
Friend

May 8, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the sixth anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer who was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered. Rest In Peace.

I pray for solace for all those that love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. Your family is in my heart's embrace. Thanks to your friends for sharing their memories and devotion to you through their reflections.

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

May 8, 2012

Phila Police officers are people who have answered the call of Law Enforcement they serve the city of phila and the communities we live in and these officers are exelent role models for our young and impresinable children. but some of these officers gave their lives in - THE LINE OF DUTY - and they most never beforgotton.

author - Vincent Gibson brother of Det. Joseph R. Gibson


OFFICER SKERSKI R.I.P and know that the phila police dept and your Dist WILL TAKE THE WATCH FROM HERE

Vincent Gibson
Brother of DET. Joseph R. Gibson

May 8, 2012

Well Gary, 6 years today, you were taken from us.. There's not a day that goes by that I'm not crying because I lost not only a friend in the Philly PD but the man that I asked to be Godfather to my first born Son Stevie... You will always be in our hearts forever.. Happy Anniversary Gary... We Love You

Steve Helvitson Sr
Friend of P/O Gary Skerski #7379

May 8, 2012

hey Gary, Tonight is my Eldest son Stevie's first season baseball game... i wish that you were here to see it.... he's getting so big, he's going to be 9 years old soon too.. he loves his baby brother noah too.. there's not a day that goes by that stevie's not asking about you, he asks about you all the time and i have to say that's a good thing since you were the one and only true and trusted friend that has ever gone beyond the walls of the 15th district to come and help not only me but all of us that has had the honor of being your friend.... We miss you so much Gary... Keep an eye on the baseball field tonight because you will see stevie playing tonight.. enjoy the game... We love you...

Steve Helvitson Sr
Friend of P/O Gary Skerski #7379

May 3, 2012

I can't believe that it's been almost 6 years that you were taken away from us. The punk got what he deserved and he will be dying in prison. I cry myself to sleep almost every night thinking that my best friend is gone, taken away from us because some punk wanted to rob a bar for money to go and sell street drugs. I will always remember the time that I asked you to be Godfather to Stevie when Crystal was still pregnant with him. I still remember the look on your face when I asked you. You had a a smile on your face like you just hit the Lottery.. Stevie's now 8 years old and he's in 2nd Grade at Bridesburg School, Every morning he looks at Bridesburg Rec's Wall and he sees you, He knows that you will always be looking after him... RIP Gary, We Miss You!!!!

Steve Helvitson Sr
Former Member of Mayfair Townwatch

February 16, 2012

It was good to stop by your final resting place yesterday and talk to you. Resurrection Cemetery is very peaceful. Watch over your family like you did in life. Rest in Peace.

Sergeant
Philadelphia Police

June 17, 2011