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Incident
Sergeant Robert Skelton was killed when his patrol car was struck head-on by a vehicle being operated by an intoxicated driver at the intersection of Clover Street and Tobey Road. On the rainy evening of June 21, 1972, Sergeant Robert Skelton, Jr., was on patrol in the Town of Pittsford. At about 8:30 p.m., Sergeant Skelton was southbound on Clover Street when an intoxicated northbound driver crossed into Sergeant Skelton's lane. Although Sergeant Skelton pulled to the right, he could not avoid the oncoming car. He was taken to the hospital, where he died 30 hours later. The other driver was taken to the hospital in serious condition but did survive his injuries. He was arrested for driving while intoxicated. Sergeant Skelton was a United States Army veteran who served with the Monroe County Sheriff's Office for ten years and was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in April 1971.
Survivors
He was survived by his expectant wife and 3-year-old son.
In Our Keeping
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- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Also honored at salute.nw — U.S. Army. One record, 2 gates. Robert is one person.
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Tributes
I served 1985 to 1993. You served too, before the badge - different uniform, same idea. You go where you are sent and you do not get to pick the call.
Sergeant Skelton gave the Monroe County Sheriff's Office 10 years.
Thank you for your service to the Rochester community, and for your service before it. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, brother.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Military Service
Robert M. Skelton Jr. served in the U.S. Army before joining law enforcement.
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Monroe County Sheriff's Office has lost 10 officers; 4 of them killed feloniously.
Robert is one of 739 officers killed feloniously in NY, 34.7% of the 2,132 remembered there.
Robert is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,552 remembered there.
Robert is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,103 remembered here.
34,103 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1972, 7 officers in NY were killed feloniously, the 31st heaviest of 154 years on record. The heaviest was 2001, with 32.
In 1972, 142 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 28th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1972, 160 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 27th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Robert was 33. Of the 671 killed feloniously in NY whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 43; the middle age was 35. Robert had served 10 years; the middle length of service was 8 years.
Robert was 33. Of the 14,219 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. Robert had served 10 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Robert was 33. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Robert had served 10 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
June holds 6.5% of these deaths in NY; September holds the most, 13.8%. Fridays: 14.7%.
June holds 8.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Fridays: 14.3%.
June holds 8.2% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Fridays: 14.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 40% of all 10 deaths at Monroe County Sheriff's Office, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 25% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 34.7% of all 2,132 deaths in NY, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 6.5% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,552 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 4.9% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,103 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 4.4% of these deaths.
His people
Monroe County Sheriff's Office has 10 officers remembered here, Robert among them.
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Simon J. Bermingham Jan 10, 1912
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Charles Frederick Sova
Sep 8, 1931
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Joseph G. Munz
Feb 26, 1932
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William Marshall
Apr 3, 1946
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John Pullano
May 16, 1957
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George A. Conway
Aug 13, 1965
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Frank E. Dombrowski
Feb 6, 1970
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Robert M. Skelton, Jr.
Jun 23, 1972
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Peter J. Rotolo
Sep 20, 1974
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Catherine M. Crawford
Mar 5, 1995
Where
Military Service
Robert M. Skelton Jr. served in the U.S. Army before joining law enforcement.
Visit Robert M. Skelton Jr.’s page on salute.nw →
His full service record — units, decorations, where he served — is kept on salute.nw.
Where the Name Is Cut
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Also Remembered
Others Who Wore This Badge
9 officers from Monroe County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
