Montpelier, VT John F. Skoda, 90, of Gaylord Dr. died Sunday, April 19, 2009 at Woodridge nursing home. He was born on December 11, 1918 in Willamantic, CT, the son of John M. And Theresa (Berkowitz) Skoda. He attended a one room school house in West Taghkanic, NY until he was old enough to work on his family's farm. On September 20, 1942, he married Ruth Hall in Averil Park, NY. He began his working career as a mechanic working on International Harvester Tractors. Then after moving to the area in 1955, he worked as service manager for State Equipment in Montpelier, retiring from there in the mid-seventies. He had a special interest in woodworking and would build birdhouses, apple boxes, and creches that he would later donate to St. Augustine Church for raffles. He enjoyed fishing, maple sugaring, and crafts. During retirement, he would fill his time with odd jobs, helping out neighbors. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus. Survivors include his wife, Ruth; his daughters, Christine Guilmette of Montpelier and Yvonne Manning and her husband William "Mickey" of Northfield; his son, John Skoda and his wife Mary of Montpelier; grandchildren, John Skoda, James Skoda, Justin Skoda, Michael Hotte, and Stuart Hotte; 14 great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren; sisters, Margaret Alvarez of Bells Pond, NY and Elizabeth Proper of Germantown, NY; and one brother, Rudolph Skoda of Claverack, NY; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his granddaughter, Wendy Barcomb; a sister, Mary Deane, and a brother, Joseph Skoda. Calling hours will be held from 7:00-9:00 pm on Friday, April 24, 2009 at the Guare & Sons Funeral Home. A funeral mass will be 11:30 am on Saturday, April 25, 2009 at St. Augustine Church. Committal prayers will be offered immediately following at Green Mount Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Central Vermont Catholic School, St. Michael's campus, 46 Barre Street, Montpelier, VT 05602