The Waterbury Democrat., 1939-04-22

livery firm.
 Not long after he was appointed to the police force, he applied for and secured a leave of absence to enlist in the U. s. army. He en- listed on October 4, 1917.
 He was a member of Company A, First General Headquarters Bri- gade and served with the military police. He served overseas for a year, leaving this country on July IS, 1918 and returning to this coun- try on July 10, 1919.
 His war record was excellent. He was honorably discharged on July g, 1919, and returned then to the local police force. While he was in the G,&ny, he was married to Bridg- ct Connell, on Dec. 10, 1917.
 He had a fine career in the po- lice force and his experience made him a valuable member of 1t. He was the sixth police chief to serve the borough of Naugatuck.
 Chief Skelly's death came as a sad blow to his many friends. "Vince" as he was known to his in- inmates, was well liked and had a wide acquaintance here and throughout the state. He was held in high regard by Waterbury police and by police chiefs of other cities.
 That his death should come so soon after he had attained the top rank of the local police force was most tragic. Chief Skelly was scheduled to have led the grand march of the annual policemen's ball which was held here last night. Dancers at the ball learned of the chiefs passing within an hour of his death, and many immediately stopped dancing and left the hall. A banquet, scheduled to have been held by the policemen at l 8. m. today, was cancelled.
 Chief Skelly was a hard worker and was proud of the police depart mept. He was 8 man of high in- tegrity and hasl keen sense of humor. Although his acts of gen. erosity were many, he was not the kind to boast of them, and only his intimates knew them.
 He was parishioner of St. Mary's church, a member of the Holy Name society of that church, and a member of Naugatuck post, American Legion. He was also a member of the Naugatuck aerie of Eagles and it had been planned soon to initiate a class of candidates to be known as the Chief Vincent Skelly class" in that society. He was @ member of Crusader post, Veterans of Foreign Wars.
 The town hall and police depart ment were pervaded by sorrow last night and today. Waterbury po- licemen who were on duty here paid tribute to Chief Skelll and his Le- zion comrades, who were special policemen for the night because of the policemen's ball, were shocked at the news.
 Warden John J. Sheridan named Capt. John Gcrx1ley as acting chief of the department and expressed deep sorrow at the death of Chief Skelly. He was 8 capable and hard-working chief and was liked by members of his department. He had the respect and affection of Naugatuck residents"
 Leaders of both parties cancelled rallies scheduled for tonight, out of respect for Chief Skelly.
 Funeral services for Chief Skelly will be held Monday, with both the Naugatuck and Waterbury police departments represented. Police officials from other cities and towns will also attend.
 The funeral will be held at 9:30 o'clock Monday morning from the home, All North Main street, Nau- gatuck, to St. Mary,s church, where a solemn mass of requiem will be offered at 10 a. m. Burial will be in St. James cemetery.
 Chief Skelly is survived by his wife, Bridget; and a brother, Will liam, of Waterbury, Vt.