Peter Skirka

Peter Skirka, age 72 years, of Clinton, NJ, went home to be with his Lord on Saturday, August 9, 2008 in the Hunterdon Medical Center, Raritan Township, NJ.

Born in Brooklyn, NY, April 21, 1936, son of the late Peter and Julia Panchak Skirka, he had resided in Clinton, NJ most of his life.

Known to many as, "The infamous alligator keeper of Leigh Street," Mr. Skirka was one of the top-rated wildlife artists in the United States. He attended the Newark School of Fine Art and Industrial Design as well as the Phoenix School of Design in NYC. Additionally, he formerly taught Art at the Spectrum Institute, Belle Mead, NJ. Currently he owned and operated "Aquatica," a design and manufacturing studio of reptile and amphibian products.

A Veteran of the United States Air Force, Mr. Skirka was stationed in Nygoya, Japan. While in Japan, he became the first person of non-Japanese descent to attain a Black Belt in Kempo. In the 1970's, had the opportunity to travel to Africa to paint African Antelope for Winchester Press.

Surviving are his life partner, Nancy Manhattan of Clinton, NJ; two daughters, Lauren Elizando of Stockton, NJ and Karen Skirka of Lopatcong Township, NJ; two sons, Peter Skirka of Aspen, CO and David Skirka of Ewing, NJ; a sister, Anna Paterek of Brick, NJ; his former wife, Grace Croteau; and his extended family in New Jersey and Valrico, FL.

Funeral Services will be held Thursday at 8:00 p.m. in the Holcombe-Fisher Funeral Home, 147 Main Street, Flemington, NJ. Interment will be Private in Hillside Cemetery, Scotch Plains, NJ. Calling hours will be Thursday from 6:00-8:00 p.m. in the Funeral Home. Please visit www.holcombefisher.com for further information or to send condolences.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the South Branch Community Church, 42 Main Street, Suite 1, Clinton, NJ 08809.