Christopher Skelly, 56, of Garner, NC, passed away peacefully in his home after a year-long battle with brain cancer on May 25th, 2024. Despite the difficulty of the past year, Chris faced each day with a positive outlook, a love for his family and friends, and his characteristic sense of humor. He was surrounded by family and friends, his favorite music, and endless messages of love and care from his vibrant community until the end of his life.

Chris was born at Beale Air Force base in Marysville, California, to Bob and Jill Skelly. Bob and Jill decided to raise Chris and his sister Brigitte in Pearl River, New York. Chris often told stories of an idyllic childhood filled with family memories, strong friendships, and light mischief. He grew into a creative, intelligent, and outgoing teen who was known for his love of punk rock, his excellent mixtapes, and his friendly, golden retriever-like energy.

Music was Chris’ first love. He evolved from a little kid who loved Kiss and the Rolling Stones, to a teen who immersed himself in the punk scene, to a young adult who started a band of his own. In his twenties, Chris fully committed himself to his music and toured the US with his band Dahlia Seed. Even though he eventually settled into a different career, music was always a central part of his life. Most recently he released a full-length album with his band Night Battles in 2020. Although his illness made it difficult to prioritize playing shows or recording new songs, Chris found constant strength from playing and listening to music during the last year of his life.

Chris was known for his sense of humor, his ability to bring people together, and his loyalty and dedication as a friend. He had a way of connecting with people easily and was always surrounded by a diverse and rowdy bunch of friends. After touring the US with his band, Chris began a successful career in the culinary field, married Stephanie Schuler, and built a life centered around family, friends, and music.

Chris moved to North Carolina in 2007 in pursuit of change. He made new friends, took on new professional challenges, started a band, and founded Raleigh’s first Arsenal supporters club, the Triangle Gooners. He met Sarah Boyette in 2012 and after an instant connection, a steady friendship, and a deepening love, they married in 2015. Chris and Sarah raised two amazing daughters together, Gretchen (9) and Hannon (7). Chris was an enthusiastic and loving parent who was prone to gushing about his children. Gretchen and Hannon will always remember their daily wrestles with Dad, Chris’ silly animal voices, and the gourmet meals he loved preparing for them.

In addition to being a talented musician, an amazing friend, and a loving husband and father, Chris was also a dedicated and passionate animal advocate who lived a vegan lifestyle for more than half of his life. Cooking delicious vegan food was one of the many ways he expressed care and generosity for his friends and family.

Although Chris’ time on this Earth was short, he lived fully, he loved deeply, and he touched the hearts and lives of so many people. He will be missed greatly, and he will be remembered with so much love.

Chris is survived by his wife Sarah Boyette and their daughters Gretchen and Hannon Skelly of Garner, NC, his parents Bob and Jill Skelly of Williamsburg, VA, his sister Brigitte Skelly (Rob) of Pearl River, NY, his niece Rachel Skelly (Andrew) of Blauvelt, NY, his great niece Eleanor Skelly of Blauvelt, NY, as well as so many beloved uncles, aunts, cousins, in-laws, and friends.

A memorial service will be held at Bull McCabe’s Irish Pub in Durham, NC on Tuesday, June 11th, at 3 pm. An additional memorial service is being planned sometime in August 2024 in New York.