Eugene "Gene" Norman Skiest

LUNENBURG - Eugene "Gene" Norman Skiest, age 89, died peacefully at home on Wednesday, August 28, 2024, surrounded by the loving presence of his family.

Gene was born and raised in Worcester, MA, the son of Hyman and Dorothy (Brickman) Skiest. He graduated from Worcester Classical High School and went on to earn a Bachelor's Degree from the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy. Subsequently, he earned a Master's Degree and a Ph.D in Organic Chemistry from the University of Michigan, where he was a member of the Rho Chi Honor Society.

Following graduate school, he returned to Worcester to raise his family and work as research chemist at Foster Grant Company and Thompson Chemical, and later as president of C&S Polymers. In 1966, he joined the Chemical Division's Thermoplastics Group for Borden, Inc. in Leominster, MA. as group leader of research and development for polyvinyl chloride resins. In 1978, he moved to the corporate headquarters in Columbus, OH, where he was named corporate director of research, development and technology, with additional management responsibility for strategic research and development for the Gail Borden Research Center in Syracuse, NY. He also served as President of the Formaldehyde Institute, based in Washington, DC for several years. Gene was a Rotarian, and served on the Board of Directors of the Columbus Opera, where he and his wife Carol, were avid opera devotees.

He retired from Borden in 1995 and moved to Sarasota, FL, where he had a very active retirement. He took advantage of the cultural offerings and frequently attended the opera, dance and theatre, as well as continuing education courses. He enjoyed his passion for golf and tennis. A gifted and competitive athlete, he always played to win, whether playing in a tennis tournament, with his friends, his children or his grandchildren. In 2011, although he loved living in Florida, he moved back to New England to be closer to his children, grandchildren and his wife's family.

Gene leaves behind his beloved and devoted wife, Carol (Tata) Skiest of Lunenburg, MA. They supported and loved each other for over 50 years. He also leaves his children, Jody Skiest of Westport, CT, Dr. Daniel Skiest of Longmeadow, MA and Nancy Skiest Kiesel of Nashville, TN, and grandchildren Hannah, Benjamin, Zachary, Olivia, Lauren and Andrew, as well as his brother, Earle Skiest of Worcester, MA. He was predeceased by his brother, Gerald.

Family and friends will gather to honor Gene's memory at his Funeral Service at 11:30 AM on Sunday, September 1st at Congregation Agudat Achim, 268 Washington Street, Leominster. Interment will follow at Agudas Achim Cemetery, 320 Rollstone Road, Fitchburg. The family would like to extend their heartfelt appreciation to the staff of Visiting Angels and HealthAlliance Home Health & Hospice.

In lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, Visiting Angels, 853 North Main St-Suite 201, Leominster, MA 01453 and HealthAlliance Home Health & Hospice, 60 Hospital Rd, Leominster, MA 01453.

To share a memory or offer an online condolence please visit the "Tribute Wall" on this page.