Frank and Helene Skoronski Memorial Fund

Frank Skoronski and his wife Helene were born and raised in the Valley, attended Valley schools, were high school sweethearts at Derby High School, and lived in Shelton for 49 years. Frank graduated from Indiana University where he also served in the Army Reserves. While fulfilling his Army commitment where he eventually attained the rank of captain, he also completed his Masters Degree from Southern Connecticut State University and 6th year certificate in Education Administration from the University of Bridgeport.

Frank began his 37 year career in education as a teacher in Shelton and was quickly named principal of Sunnyside and later Booth Hill elementary schools. A dedicated and passionate educator, he took great pride in his work and his students' and staff accomplishments. He was a talented athlete and volunteered in various community organizations including the Boy Scouts Troop 3 Derby, the Boys and Girls Club, and the Valley United Way to name just a few. Shortly after his passing in 2013, his family chose to honor him by creating the Francis "Frank" M. Skoronski Memorial Fund at the Valley Community Foundation.

"We thought this would be something he would have really liked," said Helene, before her passing in December 2017. "The Valley is where our family and friends are, where we made our memories and where we worked and raised our nine children. So many people have commented about how Frank impacted their lives in many different ways. He always put others before himself. Establishing this Fund in Frank's name will continue his commitment to education by awarding an annual scholarship in his name to a deserving Shelton High School senior majoring in Elementary Education."

In addition, the family hopes as the fund grows larger to support Frank and Helene's other charitable interests such as serving people with special needs. "We have found The Valley Community Foundation to be an impressive organization, filled with other donors, like our mother and father, who truly love their Valley community," said son Matthew Skoronski. "The investment arm of this organization helps to manage and maximize the funds available to donors to benefit the community. VCF allows people just like our parents, who have lived, worked, and raised their families in the Valley for decades continue to help the Valley they love now and in the future."

"We take great pride in being Frank Skoronski's family," said his children. "We are truly in awe of how many lives he touched. His gentle and kind influence was felt by lifelong friends, former students and teachers. Frank did all this with a great sense of humor and a quick wit; to know him was truly to love him. Our hope is that our beloved husband and father's legacy will live on through the fund as well as through our actions. Most of all, we hope to carry on the greatest gift he's given us- the love of life, family, friends and community."

To make a tax-deductible contribution to this fund, please complete the secure, online credit card form below: